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Understanding Fibrinogen, the FGG Gene, and Your rs2066865 Result

Fibrinogen is a protein made mainly by the liver that plays two important roles: forming the mesh that helps blood clot after injury and acting as a marker and contributor to inflammation. Fibrinogen levels influence how easily blood clots form and are linked to heart and blood vessel health. The FGG gene provides instructions for making part of the fibrinogen protein, and common variations in this gene can change the amount of fibrinogen your body produces.

Your genotype at the rs2066865 site in FGG is one piece of information that helps estimate your tendency toward higher or typical fibrinogen levels. Genetic factors account for about half of the variation in fibrinogen between people, with environment and lifestyle making up the rest. Below you will find easy-to-understand interpretations for each possible genotype, plus practical steps to support healthy fibrinogen levels and lower clotting risk.

How to use this information

  • This content is educational and intended to explain genetic predispositions only.
  • PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to medications, supplements, or medical care.
  • If you have symptoms of a blood clot, chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden leg swelling, or other urgent concerns, seek immediate medical attention.

Genetic Interpretations for rs2066865 (FGG)

2 effect alleles — AA (higher risk, increased fibrinogen)

If your genotype is AA, you carry two copies of the effect allele associated with higher fibrinogen levels. This pattern is linked to an increased tendency to form blood clots, including a higher risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a clot in a deep vein, typically in the legs, which can cause pain, swelling, and — if a clot dislodges and travels to the lungs — a potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

Because your genetic variant may raise baseline fibrinogen, take steps to reduce inflammatory and clot-promoting influences from lifestyle and health conditions. Discuss personalized risk assessment and preventive strategies with your healthcare provider, especially if you have additional clotting risk factors such as recent surgery, long travel, pregnancy, hormone therapy, prior clots, obesity, or certain medical conditions.

1 effect allele — AG (moderately increased fibrinogen)

If your genotype is AG, you carry one copy of the effect allele and one non-effect allele. This genotype is associated with modestly higher fibrinogen levels compared with people who carry no effect alleles, and a moderately increased risk for DVT. The effect is smaller than with two effect alleles but still relevant when other risk factors are present.

Focus on reducing modifiable risk factors and discuss with your clinician whether additional monitoring or preventive measures are appropriate for your overall clotting and cardiovascular risk profile.

0 effect alleles — GG (typical fibrinogen)

If your genotype is GG, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele and are likely to have typical fibrinogen levels based on this variant. This suggests you do not have the genetic tendency at rs2066865 for increased fibrinogen production.

Even with typical genetic risk at this site, maintaining heart and vascular health through lifestyle remains important for everyone. Follow general best practices to keep fibrinogen and other cardiovascular risk factors in healthy ranges.

Diet and Nutrition Recommendations

An anti-inflammatory eating pattern supports healthy fibrinogen and cardiovascular risk. Consider the following habits:

  • Base meals on colorful fruits and vegetables to supply antioxidants and fiber.
  • Choose whole grains over refined grains to support stable blood sugar and reduce inflammation.
  • Select lean protein sources such as fish, skinless poultry, legumes, and tofu. Fatty fish provide omega-3s which can reduce inflammation and may lower clotting tendency.
  • Include healthy fats from olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds; limit saturated and trans fats.
  • Minimize added sugars, heavily processed foods, and excessive alcohol intake.
  • Maintain a healthy weight, as excess adiposity increases systemic inflammation and fibrinogen levels.

Supplements and Botanicals to Discuss with Your Provider

Supplements can influence inflammation and clotting. Always review any supplements with your clinician, especially if you are on blood-thinning medications or have bleeding or clotting disorders.

  • Curcumin: may reduce inflammation. It can interact with medications that affect clotting or liver metabolism.
  • Garlic supplements: sometimes linked to modest antiplatelet effects. Use caution with blood thinners.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil): anti-inflammatory benefits and modest effects on platelet function; discuss dose if you take anticoagulants.
  • Do not start or stop prescription anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs without your clinician's guidance.

Lifestyle and Risk Reduction Strategies

  • Stay physically active: regular aerobic activity helps lower inflammation, supports healthy weight, and reduces clot risk. Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity as appropriate for your health.
  • Avoid smoking: tobacco increases inflammation and clotting tendency.
  • Manage stress: chronic stress worsens inflammation. Use sleep hygiene, relaxation techniques, and social support to reduce stress.
  • Stay mobile during long travel and after surgery: take breaks to walk, perform ankle pumps, and follow post-op DVT prevention plans.
  • Maintain routine health care: control blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, as each affects vascular health and clot risk.

When to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

  • If you have a personal or family history of DVT, pulmonary embolism, unusual bleeding, or clotting disorders.
  • If you are preparing for surgery, planning long travel, or considering pregnancy or hormone therapy—discuss clot risk and potential preventive measures.
  • If you are taking or plan to take supplements or medications that affect clotting, coordinate with your clinician to ensure safe combinations and dosing.
  • If you experience signs or symptoms of a blood clot such as unilateral leg swelling or pain, sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or lightheadedness, seek immediate medical attention.

Optional Tests Your Provider May Consider

  • Plasma fibrinogen concentration to measure current level.
  • Additional genetic or thrombophilia testing if there is a strong personal or family history of clots.
  • Ultrasound imaging of legs if DVT is suspected.

Final Notes

This genetic result describes a common variation in the FGG gene that influences fibrinogen level and, in some people, modestly affects risk for venous blood clots. Genetics is only one part of risk. Lifestyle, medical history, medications, and other factors combine to determine your overall risk profile. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Use this information to inform conversations with your healthcare provider and to support decisions about monitoring and preventive care.