HSA | FSA CARDS ARE NOW ACCEPTED

Understanding ACE Genotype and Heart Disease Risk

Heart disease, or coronary artery disease, happens when arteries that feed the heart become narrowed by fatty plaques. That narrowing reduces blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle and can cause chest pain, fatigue, or heart attacks. Both genes and lifestyle shape your risk. One important gene is ACE, which helps control blood pressure by producing an enzyme that converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II, a molecule that narrows blood vessels.

Variants in the ACE gene can change how much of this enzyme your body makes. Higher ACE activity means more angiotensin II, which promotes blood vessel constriction, higher blood pressure, inflammation, oxidative stress, and processes that encourage plaque buildup. Regardless of genotype, heart-healthy habits strongly reduce risk.

What This Result Means for You

This report focuses on rs4343 in the ACE gene. Below are clear, practical interpretations for each genotype plus lifestyle and testing recommendations you can discuss with your healthcare provider.

2 effect alleles (GG)

Interpretation

With the GG genotype you carry two copies of the effect allele. This is associated with higher circulating and tissue ACE enzyme levels and likely greater angiotensin II activity. These changes can increase vasoconstriction, blood pressure, oxidative stress, and vascular remodeling, which together raise the chance of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. People with this genotype may have a higher risk for coronary artery disease and heart attacks, especially if other risk factors are present.

Actionable Recommendations

  • Follow a Mediterranean-style diet focused on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, lean fish, olive oil, nuts, and limited red and processed meats.
  • Prioritize regular aerobic activity (150 minutes per week moderate or 75 minutes vigorous) and include strength training twice weekly.
  • Monitor blood pressure at home and bring readings to medical visits. Aim for targets set with your healthcare provider.
  • Maintain a healthy weight; even modest weight loss lowers blood pressure and heart risk.
  • Limit sodium intake to help manage blood pressure and prefer minimally processed foods.
  • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol to recommended guidelines.
  • Consider supplements only after discussing with your provider. Candidates to discuss include omega-3 fatty acids for triglyceride and heart benefits, vitamin D if deficient, and magnesium if blood levels are low.
  • Speak with your clinician about whether blood pressure medications that block the renin-angiotensin system, such as ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, are appropriate if you have elevated blood pressure or other indications.
1 effect allele (AG)

Interpretation

With the AG genotype you carry one copy of the effect allele. This is associated with a likely modest increase in ACE enzyme levels compared with non-effect genotypes. That may raise angiotensin II activity and slightly increase risks related to blood vessel narrowing, higher blood pressure, and plaque formation. The effect is smaller than with two effect alleles but still important when combined with other risk factors.

Actionable Recommendations

  • Adopt a Mediterranean-style eating pattern rich in fiber, healthy fats, vegetables, and fish.
  • Aim for regular physical activity to support vascular health and blood pressure control.
  • Measure and track blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk markers, especially if you have a family history of heart disease.
  • Reduce dietary sodium and processed foods to help manage blood pressure.
  • Address modifiable risks: quit smoking, control weight, manage blood sugar, and treat high cholesterol and hypertension when present.
  • Discuss targeted supplementation and medication options with your healthcare provider if tests show elevated risk factors.
0 effect alleles (AA)

Interpretation

With the AA genotype you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This is associated with typical ACE enzyme levels and activity. Your genotype at rs4343 does not suggest the elevated ACE activity linked to increased vascular narrowing or higher heart disease risk from this specific variant. However, heart disease risk is multifactorial and depends on lifestyle and many other genes.

Actionable Recommendations

  • Continue or adopt heart-healthy lifestyle habits: Mediterranean diet, regular exercise, healthy weight, quality sleep, and smoking avoidance.
  • Get routine health checks including blood pressure and cholesterol so any emerging risks are caught early.
  • Manage stress through practices that work for you, such as mindfulness, social support, or regular physical activity.
  • Talk with your healthcare provider about personalized prevention strategies based on your overall risk profile.

Diet and Nutrition

Diet is a powerful tool to reduce heart disease risk. A Mediterranean-style diet supports healthy blood pressure, cholesterol, inflammation, and body weight.

  • Base meals on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
  • Choose fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel) at least twice weekly for omega-3 fats.
  • Limit red and processed meats, refined carbohydrates, and added sugars.
  • Keep sodium moderate; flavor with herbs, citrus, and vinegar instead of salt.

Supplements and Nutrients to Discuss

  • Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) — consider if dietary intake is low or triglycerides are elevated.
  • Vitamin D — check levels and supplement only if deficient.
  • Magnesium — may support blood pressure and metabolic health if low.
  • Coenzyme Q10 — sometimes used in people on statins or with heart failure; discuss with your provider.

Lifestyle Recommendations

  • Exercise: 150 minutes/week moderate aerobic plus strength training twice weekly.
  • Sleep: aim for 7 to 9 hours nightly; poor sleep raises cardiovascular risk.
  • Stress: use consistent stress management (movement, mindfulness, therapy, social support).
  • Smoking: quit completely; even low exposure increases heart risk.
  • Alcohol: limit to recommended amounts or avoid if advised by your clinician.

Tests and Monitoring to Consider

Talk with your healthcare provider about these tests to better understand and manage risk:

  • Blood pressure checks and home monitoring
  • Lipid panel (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides)
  • HbA1c or fasting glucose to screen for diabetes or prediabetes
  • High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) for inflammation
  • Basic metabolic panel for kidney function and electrolytes
  • Vitamin D, magnesium levels if considering supplementation

When to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

  • If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, a strong family history of early heart disease, or symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath.
  • Before starting any new supplement or medication, especially blood pressure or heart-related drugs.
  • To create a personalized prevention or treatment plan based on your overall risk.

Important Note

PlexusDx provides education about genetic predispositions only and does not provide medical advice. This information is not a diagnosis. Always consult with your healthcare provider to interpret genetic results in the context of your personal and family medical history, current health, and medications before making health decisions.