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Understanding Your CDKN2B-AS1 Genotype and Heart Disease Risk

Heart disease, also called coronary artery disease, happens when fatty, cholesterol-rich deposits build up in the arteries that supply the heart. Over time these deposits narrow arteries and can reduce blood flow, which may cause chest discomfort, fatigue, or heart attacks. Genetics are an important piece of the puzzle for heart disease risk. One gene that influences risk is CDKN2B-AS1. Variations in this gene can change how nearby genes behave and affect artery health.

This article explains what your CDKN2B-AS1 genotype at rs2383206 means for coronary artery disease risk and gives clear, practical steps you can take to support heart health. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. This information is educational only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medical or supplement decisions.

How CDKN2B-AS1 affects heart health

The CDKN2B-AS1 gene makes a type of RNA that regulates other genes involved in cell growth and blood vessel function. Certain variants of this gene are associated with a higher chance of developing coronary artery disease. Genetics partly determine risk—estimates suggest roughly 50 to 60 percent of heart disease risk is heritable—yet lifestyle and medical care strongly influence outcomes. Regardless of genotype, healthy habits can meaningfully reduce cardiovascular risk.

Practical heart-healthy actions to consider

  • Diet: Follow a Mediterranean-style eating pattern with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, oily fish, lean proteins, and olive oil. Limit processed foods, trans fats, and added sugars.
  • Physical activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, plus strength training twice weekly, as tolerated and cleared by your provider.
  • Weight and metabolic health: Maintain a healthy weight and monitor blood pressure, fasting glucose, and cholesterol. Work with your clinician to set targets.
  • Smoking cessation: Avoid tobacco and exposure to secondhand smoke. Quitting smoking rapidly lowers cardiovascular risk.
  • Stress and sleep: Practice stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, or cognitive approaches. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep most nights.
  • Supplements: Consider omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular support and vitamin D if deficient. Always discuss supplement use with your healthcare provider, especially if you take medications.
  • Regular screening: Have routine check-ups to measure lipid levels, blood pressure, and other risk markers. Early detection and treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol reduce long-term risk.
Two effect alleles (GG) — Increased risk for coronary artery disease

Genotype: GG at rs2383206. You carry two copies of the G effect allele associated with a higher likelihood of coronary artery disease. The CDKN2B-AS1 RNA variant linked to GG is believed to affect genes that control artery cell behavior and plaque development, which can raise the probability of fatty deposits narrowing heart arteries.

What you can do

  • Talk with your healthcare provider about more frequent cardiovascular risk assessment, including blood pressure, lipids, and glucose testing.
  • Adopt a Mediterranean-style diet focusing on whole foods, fish rich in omega-3s, extra virgin olive oil, and a high intake of vegetables and fiber.
  • Increase aerobic activity and include resistance training to improve heart and metabolic health.
  • Discuss lipid-lowering strategies with your clinician if you have elevated cholesterol or other risk factors; earlier intervention can reduce long-term risk.
  • Consider omega-3 supplementation if dietary intake is low, and check vitamin D status; take supplements only after discussing with your provider.
  • Eliminate tobacco use and address other modifiable risks like obesity and unmanaged stress.

PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Use this information to inform conversations with your healthcare team.

One effect allele (AG) — Likely increased risk for coronary artery disease

Genotype: AG at rs2383206. You carry one copy of the G effect allele. This puts you at a likely moderately increased risk for coronary artery disease compared with people who do not carry the G allele at this location.

What you can do

  • Maintain heart-healthy habits: Mediterranean-style eating, regular exercise, healthy weight, and good sleep.
  • Monitor key health markers with your clinician: lipid profile, blood pressure, blood glucose, and waist circumference.
  • Limit alcohol intake and avoid tobacco. Manage stress through techniques that work for you, such as walking, yoga, or therapy.
  • Consider increasing dietary omega-3s by eating fatty fish twice weekly or discuss supplements with your provider.
  • If you have other risk factors such as family history, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, discuss personalized prevention strategies with your clinician.

PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Use this information to guide conversations with your healthcare provider.

No effect alleles (AA) — Typical risk for this variant

Genotype: AA at rs2383206. You carry two copies of the non-effect A allele. For this specific genetic location, your risk is not elevated. This does not mean zero risk for heart disease because many genes and lifestyle factors influence cardiovascular health.

What you can do

  • Continue healthy lifestyle practices: Mediterranean-style diet, regular physical activity, avoidance of smoking, and good sleep hygiene.
  • Have routine screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar according to age and clinical guidance.
  • Maintain a healthy weight and manage stress. Address any other medical conditions that increase heart disease risk with your clinician.
  • Consider baseline nutrient checks such as vitamin D and discuss omega-3 intake with your provider if you are concerned about heart health.

PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

Putting genetics in context

Your genotype at rs2383206 provides one piece of information about coronary artery disease risk. It helps identify whether you carry a genetic variation in CDKN2B-AS1 that is associated with higher risk, but it does not determine your destiny. Lifestyle, environment, other genes, and medical conditions all affect overall risk. Taking steps to improve diet, increase activity, control blood pressure and cholesterol, avoid tobacco, and follow regular medical care is the most effective way to reduce the chance of heart disease over time.

Next steps

  • Share these results with your primary care provider or cardiologist to integrate them into your overall health plan.
  • Ask for targeted screening if you have additional risk factors or a strong family history of early heart disease.
  • Create achievable lifestyle goals with your healthcare team and consider referral to nutrition or exercise specialists if needed.

Remember, PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. This information is educational and intended to help you have informed discussions with your healthcare provider. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting new supplements, making major diet or exercise changes, or changing medication. Together with your clinician you can build a plan that accounts for your genetics, health status, and personal goals.