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How NOS3 and Nitric Oxide Affect Heart Disease Risk

Heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease, happens when the arteries supplying the heart become narrowed by fatty plaques and inflammation. This narrowing reduces blood flow and can cause chest pain or heart attack. Your genes play a meaningful role in determining risk. One important gene is NOS3, which makes an enzyme that produces nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps blood vessels relax and widen, supports healthy blood pressure, and reduces harmful clotting and inflammation. Variations in NOS3 can change how much nitric oxide your body produces and influence blood vessel health and heart disease risk.

What the NOS3 rs1800779 variant means

The rs1800779 variation in the NOS3 gene changes nitric oxide production in some people. Reduced nitric oxide can lead to blood vessel dysfunction, higher blood pressure, increased inflammation, and faster plaque buildup. Your genotype at rs1800779 can be one of three types: GG, AG, or AA. Each has different implications for nitric oxide production and cardiovascular risk. Below are practical ways to support healthy blood vessels and reduce overall heart disease risk, regardless of genotype.

Practical lifestyle and diet recommendations

  • Eat a heart-healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats such as olive oil and fatty fish. Limit processed foods, added sugars, and trans fats.
  • Increase nitrate-rich vegetables: Beets, leafy greens, arugula, and celery provide natural nitrates that support nitric oxide production when converted in the body.
  • Choose omega-3 rich foods: Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and plant sources such as flaxseeds can support vascular health and lower inflammation.
  • Maintain a healthy weight: Carrying excess weight raises blood pressure and inflammation. Even modest weight loss can improve vascular function.
  • Move regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous activity. Resistance training twice per week helps metabolic health and blood vessel function.
  • Manage stress: Chronic stress can worsen blood pressure and inflammation. Practices like mindfulness, deep breathing, yoga, and adequate social support help reduce stress.
  • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol: Smoking damages the blood vessel lining and impairs nitric oxide function. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
  • Prioritize sleep: Poor sleep quality and short sleep duration can increase cardiovascular risk. Aim for consistent, restorative sleep each night.

Supplements and nutrients to consider

Supplements can support nitric oxide production and vascular health, especially when diet alone is insufficient. Speak with your healthcare provider before starting supplements.

  • L-arginine: An amino acid used by the body to make nitric oxide. Some people may benefit, but responses vary.
  • L-citrulline: Converted to L-arginine in the body and may be more effective for raising nitric oxide levels than L-arginine itself.
  • Beetroot or nitrate supplements: Provide dietary nitrates that the body converts to nitric oxide, supporting vessel dilation and blood pressure control.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: EPA and DHA support vascular health and reduce inflammation.
  • B vitamins: Folate, B6, and B12 help control homocysteine levels, which can influence vascular function.
  • Antioxidants: Vitamins C and E along with polyphenol-rich extracts may help protect nitric oxide from oxidative breakdown.

Recommended blood tests and monitoring

  • Standard cardiovascular panel: Lipid panel including total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.
  • Blood pressure: Regular home or clinic measurements to track control.
  • Blood glucose and HbA1c: To screen for diabetes or insulin resistance.
  • Inflammatory markers: High sensitivity C-reactive protein can provide additional risk information.
  • Vitamin and nutrient levels: As indicated by symptoms or supplement use, check B12, folate, vitamin D, and omega-3 index when relevant.

When to see your healthcare provider

  • Discuss your genetic results and overall risk profile with your provider, especially if you have a family history of early heart disease.
  • If you have symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or palpitations, seek immediate medical attention.
  • Before starting new supplements, particularly if you take blood pressure medication, blood thinners, or have chronic health conditions.

Genetic result interpretations

Two effect alleles (GG)

If you have the GG genotype for rs1800779, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This variation in NOS3 is associated with increased risk for coronary artery disease. The NOS3 gene makes an enzyme that produces nitric oxide. With the GG genotype, nitric oxide production may be reduced, which can lead to blood vessel dysfunction, higher blood pressure, increased inflammation, and faster plaque buildup in arteries. A heart-healthy lifestyle is especially important. Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, regular exercise, stress management, avoiding smoking, and adequate sleep. Consider discussing nitrate-rich foods, L-citrulline or L-arginine supplements, and omega-3 supplementation with your healthcare provider. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar is recommended. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider to review these results and decide on personalized steps.

One effect allele (AG)

If you have the AG genotype for rs1800779, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This variation is associated with a likely increased risk for coronary artery disease. With one G allele, nitric oxide production may be somewhat reduced, which can affect how well your blood vessel lining functions. This may contribute to higher cardiovascular risk through impacts on blood pressure regulation, oxidative stress, and plaque development. Supporting your heart health with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, regular physical activity, stress management, and avoiding smoking is important. Consider adding nitrate-rich vegetables to meals and discuss targeted supplements such as L-citrulline or omega-3s with your healthcare provider. Regular cardiovascular screening and blood pressure checks can help track risk. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider to interpret your results and plan next steps.

No effect alleles (AA)

If you have the AA genotype for rs1800779, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. The AA genotype is associated with typical nitric oxide production by NOS3. This means your ability to produce nitric oxide is not impaired by this particular variant. Your genetic result at this location does not indicate increased coronary artery disease risk specifically from reduced NOS3 function. However, heart disease depends on many genes and lifestyle factors. Maintaining a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, avoiding smoking, and routine health checks remain essential to support long-term cardiovascular health. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider to review your overall risk and plan personalized care.

Final notes and disclaimer

Genetic results offer one piece of the cardiovascular risk puzzle. Lifestyle, environment, medical history, and other genes also influence heart disease risk. PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions only and does not provide medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to diet, exercise, supplements, or medications based on genetic information.