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How CYP11B2 and rs1799998 Affect Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against artery walls as the heart pumps. It is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients. When blood pressure remains high over time it increases strain on the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys and raises the risk for heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.

The CYP11B2 gene makes aldosterone synthase, an enzyme that helps control aldosterone production. Aldosterone is a hormone that tells the kidneys to retain sodium and water. Variations in CYP11B2, including the rs1799998 variant, can affect aldosterone levels and therefore influence sodium retention, blood volume, and blood pressure.

What this means for you

  • Genetic differences in CYP11B2 can make some people more likely to retain sodium and hold extra fluid, which can raise blood pressure over time.
  • Genes are one part of blood pressure risk. Lifestyle, diet, weight, activity, sleep, and stress also play major roles.
  • Even if your genetic risk is higher, proven diet and lifestyle strategies can reduce your overall cardiovascular risk.

Genetic Interpretation

Two effect alleles (GG) — higher genetic risk

You carry two copies of the effect allele at rs1799998 (GG). This genotype is associated with increased aldosterone activity in some people, which can lead to greater sodium retention, higher blood volume, and an elevated risk of hypertension, stroke, and heart disease over time.

Practical steps that may be particularly helpful for this genotype:

  • Adopt a low-sodium eating pattern. Aim to reduce processed and packaged foods, restaurant meals, and added salt.
  • Increase potassium-rich foods to help offset sodium effects: leafy greens, avocados, bananas, beans, sweet potatoes, and citrus.
  • Follow a DASH-style diet emphasizing vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins.
  • Maintain a healthy weight through calorie balance and regular physical activity.
  • Engage in regular aerobic exercise (150 minutes per week of moderate activity or 75 minutes vigorous) plus resistance training twice weekly.
  • Prioritize sleep hygiene—aim for 7 to 9 hours nightly—and address sleep apnea if present.
  • Practice stress reduction techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, mindfulness, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation.
  • Monitor blood pressure at home and share patterns with your healthcare provider for personalized follow up.
One effect allele (AG) — possible increased risk

You carry one copy of the effect allele at rs1799998 (AG). This genotype may moderately influence aldosterone levels and is associated with a likely increased risk of hypertension, stroke, and heart disease compared with the non-effect genotype.

Recommended actions:

  • Limit sodium intake and avoid heavily processed foods. Gradually lowering salt helps make the change sustainable.
  • Boost potassium intake through foods like spinach, beans, potatoes with skin, yogurt, and citrus fruits.
  • Use a DASH-style eating pattern to improve overall cardiovascular health.
  • Keep physically active, aiming for regular aerobic exercise and strength training to support healthy blood pressure and body composition.
  • Focus on sleep quality and stress management to reduce blood pressure variability.
  • Check blood pressure regularly, and discuss trends and any concerns with your healthcare provider to determine if additional testing or treatment is appropriate.
No effect alleles (AA) — typical risk through this pathway

You carry two copies of the non-effect allele at rs1799998 (AA). This genotype is associated with typical aldosterone synthase activity through the CYP11B2 pathway and no increased risk from this specific variant.

Even with this genotype it is important to maintain heart and kidney health because blood pressure is influenced by many factors beyond CYP11B2. Consider these general recommendations:

  • Continue a balanced, lower-sodium, higher-potassium diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
  • Stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight.
  • Practice good sleep and stress management habits.
  • Monitor blood pressure periodically and work with your healthcare provider on a prevention plan tailored to your overall risk profile.

Diet and Nutritional Considerations

Small dietary changes can meaningfully affect blood pressure. Emphasize whole foods and reduce sodium from processed foods and restaurant meals. Key dietary focuses:

  • Reduce sodium: aim for less than 2,300 mg per day or lower if advised by your provider.
  • Increase potassium: foods high in potassium help counterbalance sodium effects on blood pressure.
  • Include magnesium and calcium: these minerals support vascular and muscular function. Good sources include leafy greens, nuts, seeds, dairy or fortified alternatives, beans, and whole grains.
  • Prefer lean proteins, legumes, and fatty fish for healthy fats and cardiovascular benefits.

Supplement Considerations

Supplements can help when dietary intake is inadequate, but you should discuss them with your healthcare provider before starting:

  • Potassium supplements are generally not recommended without medical supervision because excess potassium can be harmful, especially with kidney disease or certain medications.
  • Magnesium supplementation may benefit people with low dietary intake or certain conditions affecting magnesium levels.
  • Calcium supplementation should be considered in the context of total dietary calcium and bone health needs.
  • A general heart-healthy approach prioritizes getting nutrients from food first and using supplements selectively under provider guidance.

Lifestyle Strategies Beyond Diet

  • Exercise: Aim for regular aerobic and resistance training to reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular fitness.
  • Weight management: Losing excess weight lowers blood pressure in most people.
  • Sleep: Treat short sleep duration or poor sleep quality as modifiable contributors to elevated blood pressure.
  • Alcohol and smoking: Limit alcohol intake and avoid tobacco, both of which affect vascular health and blood pressure.
  • Stress management: Use behavioral tools such as mindfulness, counseling, or structured relaxation to reduce chronic stress exposure.

Monitoring and Working with Your Provider

Regular blood pressure checks give valuable information about how lifestyle and any treatments are working. If you have a higher-risk genotype or a family history of hypertension, kidney disease, or early heart disease, consider earlier and more frequent monitoring. Share your PlexusDx results with your healthcare provider so they can integrate genetic findings into a comprehensive care plan.

Limitations and Disclaimer

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions and does not provide medical advice. Genetic results describe risk and tendencies but do not predict outcomes with certainty. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to medications, starting supplements, or altering treatment plans. Your provider can interpret these results alongside your medical history, medications, lab tests, and other risk factors to develop a personalized plan.