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Last reviewed: May 12, 2026 Last updated: May 12, 2026

Written by: Jay Hastings , CEO of PlexusDx

Jay Hastings is the CEO of PlexusDx, a precision health company focused on genetic testing, blood biomarker insights, and personalized wellness recommendations. He has more than 20 years of experience across healthcare innovation, genomics, laboratory operations, healthcare investing, and strategic finance. His work has included scaling healthcare startups, leading CLIA lab integrations, and helping expand consumer access to precision health tools.

Medically reviewed by: Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA

Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA, is the PlexusDx Medical Science Liaison with a PharmD and MBA specializing in pharmacogenomics and clinical product development, with a proven ability to bridge the gap between genomic research and practical patient outcomes. Dr. Lee has more than 10 years of professional experience in clinical pharmacy, academia, and research.

Nitric Oxide, the NOS3 Gene, and Your Cardiovascular Health

Nitric oxide is a small but powerful molecule that helps relax and widen blood vessels, improving blood flow and supporting healthy blood pressure. Cells that line your blood vessels produce nitric oxide using an enzyme made according to instructions from the NOS3 gene. Variations in NOS3 can influence how well your body makes nitric oxide, which in turn may affect cardiovascular function. Genetics is only one part of the picture. Lifestyle, environment, and other health factors all contribute to overall cardiovascular risk.

Why this matters

  • Nitric oxide helps arteries relax and improves circulation, which supports heart health and blood pressure regulation.
  • Changes in NOS3 can alter nitric oxide production and have been linked to differences in risk for coronary artery disease.
  • Even with a genetic predisposition, lifestyle strategies can help support nitric oxide production and reduce cardiovascular risk.

Everyday steps to support nitric oxide

Regardless of your NOS3 genotype, the following habits support healthy nitric oxide levels and cardiovascular wellness.

  • Eat nitrate-rich vegetables: leafy greens such as spinach, arugula, and kale, and root vegetables like beets. These provide dietary nitrates that can convert to nitric oxide.
  • Choose a plant-rich pattern: fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds support endothelial health and overall cardiovascular function.
  • Exercise regularly: both aerobic exercise and resistance training stimulate nitric oxide production and improve blood vessel function.
  • Manage stress and prioritize sleep: chronic stress and poor sleep can impair vascular health and reduce nitric oxide availability.
  • Avoid smoking and limit excessive alcohol: tobacco damages the endothelium and reduces nitric oxide production.
  • Consider supplements thoughtfully: L-arginine and beetroot products may boost nitric oxide in some people. Discuss supplements with your healthcare provider before starting.
  • Monitor cardiovascular risk markers: regular checks of blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and body weight help track heart health and guide interventions.

Genetic interpretation for rs2070744 (NOS3)

2 effect alleles — CC genotype

If you have the CC genotype for rs2070744, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This variant has been associated with a slightly increased risk of coronary artery disease. The NOS3 gene encodes an enzyme required to make nitric oxide in endothelial cells, the cells that line your arteries. Variations like CC may reduce how efficiently your body produces nitric oxide, which can affect blood vessel relaxation and blood pressure regulation.

What this means for you

  • This finding indicates a potential area to focus on for cardiovascular prevention. It is not a diagnosis and does not mean you will develop coronary artery disease.
  • Combining genetics with lifestyle strategies that support nitric oxide may be particularly helpful.

Practical recommendations

  • Increase intake of nitrate-rich vegetables, especially leafy greens and beets, to support dietary pathways that generate nitric oxide.
  • Prioritize regular physical activity. Aim for a mix of moderate aerobic exercise and strength training several times per week.
  • Work on stress reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to protect endothelial function.
  • Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke to prevent damage to the cells that produce nitric oxide.
  • Discuss with your healthcare provider whether targeted supplements such as L-arginine or beetroot extract are appropriate for you, and review any medication interactions.
  • Keep routine cardiovascular screening appointments to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors.
1 effect allele — CT genotype

If you have the CT genotype for rs2070744, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This variant has been associated with a moderately increased risk of coronary artery disease. The NOS3 gene produces the enzyme that helps make nitric oxide in endothelial cells. Your CT genotype may slightly influence how effectively your body generates nitric oxide, with potential impacts on blood vessel function.

What this means for you

  • This result indicates a modest genetic tendency but does not determine your cardiovascular outcome. Lifestyle and environment remain key drivers of risk.
  • Supporting nitric oxide production can be a practical way to reduce overall cardiovascular risk.

Practical recommendations

  • Focus on a plant-forward diet with regular servings of nitrate-rich foods like spinach, arugula, and beets.
  • Maintain consistent physical activity, including brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or resistance training.
  • Adopt healthy sleep habits and stress management to protect your vascular system.
  • Avoid smoking and limit excessive alcohol intake.
  • Talk with your healthcare provider about whether supplements such as L-arginine or dietary nitrate products might be useful and safe for you.
  • Monitor blood pressure and lipid levels and follow recommended screening intervals.
0 effect alleles — TT genotype

If you have the TT genotype for rs2070744, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This genotype is the most common and is associated with typical nitric oxide production capacity. The NOS3 gene provides standard instructions for making the enzyme that creates nitric oxide in endothelial cells. With typical production capacity, your risk related to this specific pathway is not elevated.

What this means for you

  • This genotype suggests standard nitric oxide production via the NOS3 pathway. It is not a guarantee of perfect cardiovascular health because many other factors influence risk.
  • Maintaining habits that support nitric oxide is still important for long-term heart health.

Practical recommendations

  • Continue eating a varied, plant-rich diet that includes nitrate-rich vegetables periodically.
  • Stay active with regular aerobic and strength-building exercise.
  • Practice stress reduction and prioritize quality sleep.
  • Avoid smoking and manage other cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar.
  • Discuss any supplement use with your healthcare provider to ensure safety and appropriateness.

When to speak with your healthcare provider

  • If you have a personal or family history of heart disease, early heart attacks, or stroke, bring your results to a healthcare provider to discuss personalized screening and prevention.
  • If you are considering starting supplements such as L-arginine or concentrated beetroot products, consult your provider, especially if you take blood pressure or other cardiovascular medications.
  • If you notice symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting, seek immediate medical attention.

Important disclaimer

PlexusDx provides genetic information for educational purposes only. This content is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medical or lifestyle decisions based on genetic information. Your healthcare provider can integrate genetics with your personal health history, family history, and clinical testing to guide care.

If this genetic variant is present in your PlexusDx results, the following tests and reports are commonly used to explore it further:

🧬 Genetic Tests:

🧪 Blood Tests:

📄 Genetic Report:

Frequently Asked Questions About NITRIC OXIDE and NOS3 rs2070744

How does the NOS3 rs2070744 variant affect nitric oxide and cardiovascular health?

Nitric oxide helps relax and widen blood vessels, supporting healthy circulation and blood pressure. The NOS3 gene provides instructions for making the nitric oxide–producing enzyme in endothelial cells that line your arteries. The rs2070744 variant may influence how efficiently your body generates nitric oxide, which can affect blood vessel function and may be linked to differences in coronary artery disease risk.

What do the rs2070744 genotypes (TT, CT, CC) mean for my coronary artery disease risk?

TT (0 effect alleles): associated with typical nitric oxide production capacity, so risk related to this pathway is not elevated. CT (1 effect allele): associated with a moderately increased risk, suggesting a modest influence on nitric oxide production and blood vessel function. CC (2 effect alleles): associated with a slightly increased risk, potentially reflecting reduced efficiency of nitric oxide production and effects on blood vessel relaxation and blood pressure regulation.

What lifestyle steps can support nitric oxide levels if I have a higher-risk NOS3 genotype?

Regardless of genotype, you can support nitric oxide through nitrate-rich vegetables (like leafy greens and beets), a plant-forward eating pattern, regular aerobic and resistance exercise, and stress management with adequate sleep. Avoid smoking, limit excessive alcohol, and consider supplements such as L-arginine or beetroot products only thoughtfully and with your healthcare provider—especially if you take cardiovascular medications. Monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and body weight can also help track and guide cardiovascular risk reduction.

What tests can help me learn more about NITRIC OXIDE and NOS3 rs2070744?

The Functional Health Genetic Test delivers over 750 personalized genetic insights across 10 in-depth genetic reports to support whole-body, systems-level health understanding. The Cardiometabolic Genetic Report translates your results into personalized, actionable guidance. Your healthcare provider can also recommend targeted blood tests based on your specific pathway results and health history to complement your genetic insights with current biomarker data.

Medical and Editorial Standards

Medical review process: This article was reviewed for medical accuracy, scientific clarity, evidence alignment, and appropriate discussion of genetics, medications, supplements, biomarkers, and health-related claims.

Sources and evidence: PlexusDx educational content is developed using peer-reviewed research, clinical literature, reputable medical references, and, where applicable, public health or regulatory guidance. References are included at the end of the article when scientific, medical, or health-related claims are discussed.

Commercial transparency: PlexusDx offers genetic testing, blood biomarker testing, personalized supplement recommendations, and related precision wellness services. Product mentions are intended to help readers understand available options and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

Important disclaimer: PlexusDx educational content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about medications, supplements, genetic testing, lab testing, or health-related care.