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APOA5 and Triglycerides: What Your Genotype Means for Heart Health

Triglycerides are the main type of fat in your blood. They provide energy but can raise your risk for heart disease when levels are high. The APOA5 gene helps control triglyceride levels by producing apolipoprotein A5. This protein supports lipoprotein lipase, the enzyme that clears triglycerides from the bloodstream. Variations in APOA5 can change how efficiently your body processes triglycerides, affecting your long term cardiometabolic risk.

How to read this report

This article explains the likely effect of the rs3135506 variant in APOA5 on triglyceride handling. It gives practical, consumer-friendly guidance on diet, supplements, lifestyle, and tests you can discuss with your healthcare provider. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medical, dietary, or supplement changes.

Key takeaways

  • APOA5 influences how well triglycerides are cleared from your blood.
  • Certain variants can increase the risk of higher triglyceride levels and related heart disease.
  • Regardless of genotype, healthy eating, regular activity, moderate alcohol intake, and weight management support healthy triglycerides.
  • Consider targeted blood tests and health checks if you have a variant that raises risk. Discuss findings with your healthcare provider.

Genetic interpretations

Two effect alleles (CC at rs3135506)

If your genotype is CC, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This result indicates a predisposition to higher triglyceride levels and an increased risk of coronary artery disease. The APOA5 variant may reduce the efficiency of triglyceride clearance because apolipoprotein A5 may be less effective at activating lipoprotein lipase. Over time, elevated triglycerides can contribute to atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular problems.

What to do

  • Prioritize a triglyceride lowering diet: reduce refined carbohydrates and added sugars, limit fruit juices and sweetened beverages, and choose whole grains instead of refined grains.
  • Choose healthy fats: emphasize monounsaturated fats from olive oil, nuts, and avocados; include omega 3 sources like fatty fish. Limit trans fats and excessive saturated fats.
  • Weight management: if overweight, aim for gradual weight loss. Losing even 5 to 10 percent of body weight can substantially lower triglycerides.
  • Exercise regularly: combine aerobic activity with resistance training. Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic exercise, plus strength work twice weekly.
  • Limit alcohol: alcohol can markedly raise triglycerides for some people. Consider reducing intake or abstaining if triglycerides are elevated.
  • Discuss supplements with your provider: high dose prescription omega 3 or medical supervision for fish oil may be beneficial for high triglycerides. Do not self-prescribe high dose supplements without medical guidance.
  • Get baseline and follow up labs: fasting lipid panel with triglycerides, non HDL cholesterol, and possibly apolipoprotein B. Your provider may also check liver enzymes and fasting glucose or A1c.
One effect allele (CG at rs3135506)

If your genotype is CG, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This variant is associated with a likely increase in triglyceride levels and a modestly higher risk of coronary artery disease. Having one effect allele may make triglyceride clearance somewhat less efficient, producing a natural tendency toward higher triglycerides. The influence is usually smaller than with two effect alleles but still meaningful when combined with diet, weight, alcohol use, and other risk factors.

What to do

  • Follow a balanced, triglyceride friendly diet: focus on whole foods, plenty of vegetables and fiber, lean protein, and minimize refined starches and added sugars.
  • Eat omega 3 rich foods regularly: include fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, or plant sources such as chia and flax for general support.
  • Maintain or improve body composition: even small improvements in weight can reduce triglycerides.
  • Stay active: regular aerobic and resistance exercise helps lower triglycerides and improves overall cardiometabolic health.
  • Monitor alcohol intake: even moderate alcohol can raise triglycerides in sensitive individuals.
  • Consider targeted testing: fasting lipid panel and routine cardiometabolic screening to understand baseline and track changes over time.
  • Talk to your provider about supplements: low to moderate dose fish oil may help, but appropriate dosing and potential interactions should be reviewed with a clinician.
No effect alleles (GG at rs3135506)

If your genotype is GG, you carry two copies of the non effect allele. This suggests typical triglyceride processing at this specific APOA5 location and no increased genetic predisposition for elevated triglycerides from this variant. Your apolipoprotein A5 should support normal activation of lipoprotein lipase and efficient triglyceride clearance. This does not eliminate triglyceride risk from other genes or lifestyle factors.

What to do

  • Maintain heart healthy habits: balanced diet low in added sugars and refined carbs, regular physical activity, and healthy weight maintenance.
  • Include omega 3 foods for general cardiovascular benefit.
  • Limit excessive alcohol and avoid trans fats.
  • Continue regular health screening: routine lipid panels and cardiometabolic risk assessments as recommended by your provider.

Diet and nutrition guidance

To support healthy triglyceride levels across genotypes, emphasize the following:

  • Limit refined carbohydrates and added sugars. Replace sugary drinks and sweets with water, whole fruit, and fiber rich snacks.
  • Choose whole grains over refined grains. Whole grains provide fiber that helps regulate blood lipids.
  • Prioritize lean protein and plant based proteins. Fish, poultry, beans, and legumes are good choices.
  • Include omega 3 rich foods two to three times per week. Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel are especially helpful.
  • Use healthy fats like olive oil and nuts. Avoid trans fats and limit high saturated fat foods.

Supplement considerations

  • Omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) can lower triglycerides at therapeutic doses. Discuss dosing and potential interactions with your provider.
  • Fiber supplements may help when dietary intake is low. Psyllium and other soluble fibers can modestly improve lipid profiles.
  • Do not start prescription or high dose supplements without clinician oversight. Some lipid lowering therapies require medical supervision and monitoring.

Lifestyle and monitoring

  • Exercise regularly: aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly and include strength training.
  • Manage body weight. Even modest weight loss lowers triglycerides and improves metabolic health.
  • Limit alcohol intake. If triglycerides are high, consider reducing or avoiding alcohol until levels normalize.
  • Stop smoking and avoid exposure to tobacco smoke.
  • Get routine blood tests: fasting lipid panel, fasting glucose or A1c, liver enzymes when appropriate. Work with your healthcare provider to set testing intervals.

When to talk to your healthcare provider

  • If triglycerides are elevated on blood tests.
  • If you have multiple risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, or a strong family history of premature cardiovascular disease.
  • If you are considering prescription lipid lowering therapy or high dose omega 3 supplements.
  • If you want personalized risk assessment that integrates genetics, labs, and overall health.

Final note

PlexusDx provides educational genetic insights only. This information is not medical advice and should not replace consultation with your healthcare provider. Use these findings as a basis for discussion with your clinician who can interpret genetic results in the context of your full medical history, current medications, lab results, and overall health goals.