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AGTR1 and Heart Health: What Your Genotype Means

The AGTR1 gene helps control how blood vessels tighten and relax by encoding the angiotensin II type 1 receptor, a key part of blood pressure regulation. Certain variants of AGTR1 are linked to higher susceptibility to hypertension and elevated triglyceride levels. Whether your genotype shows higher risk or typical regulation, lifestyle, diet, and targeted monitoring can help support cardiovascular health.

How to read your AGTR1 rs5186 result

  • CC (two effect alleles): Increased susceptibility to higher blood pressure and elevated triglycerides.
  • AC (one effect allele): Moderately increased risk for higher blood pressure and triglycerides.
  • AA (zero effect alleles): Typical regulation for blood pressure and triglyceride metabolism at baseline.
2 effect alleles (CC) — what this may mean

If you have the CC genotype for rs5186, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with a higher likelihood of hypertension and raised triglyceride levels. Your AGTR1 receptor may promote stronger vessel constriction responses, which can make blood pressure control more challenging.

Dietary and lifestyle steps that reduce vascular tension and support healthy lipid metabolism can be especially impactful for you.

1 effect allele (AC) — what this may mean

If you have the AC genotype for rs5186, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This is associated with a modestly increased risk of higher blood pressure and increased triglycerides. Your genetic profile suggests that interventions that relax blood vessels and improve triglyceride handling may provide meaningful benefit.

0 effect alleles (AA) — what this may mean

If you have the AA genotype for rs5186, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This is the most common outcome and is associated with typical AGTR1-related blood pressure and triglyceride regulation. Even with this baseline profile, following heart-healthy habits supports long-term cardiovascular risk reduction.

Why the Mediterranean Diet is Recommended

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, extra-virgin olive oil, and regular fish. This pattern delivers potassium, magnesium, fiber, antioxidants, and unsaturated fats that help relax blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and improve triglyceride metabolism. For people with AGTR1 variants linked to increased risk, the Mediterranean approach can counteract genetic tendencies by improving vascular function and lipid profiles.

Practical Mediterranean-style guidelines

  • Make vegetables and fruits the largest part of most meals.
  • Use extra-virgin olive oil as your main fat source.
  • Include fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, or trout 2 to 3 times per week for omega-3s.
  • Choose whole grains over refined grains; aim for oats, barley, farro, brown rice, and whole-wheat products.
  • Include legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas) several times weekly to boost fiber and plant protein.
  • Snack on nuts and seeds in moderation instead of processed snacks.
  • Moderate intake of red and processed meats; prioritize poultry and plant proteins.
  • Limit added sugars and refined carbohydrates that can raise triglycerides.
  • Be mindful of sodium; flavor with herbs, lemon, and vinegar rather than excess salt.

Supplements and Nutrients to Discuss with Your Provider

PlexusDx provides genetic information for education. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting supplements. Suggested options that may complement a Mediterranean-style approach include:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) — may help lower elevated triglycerides and support vascular health.
  • Magnesium — supports blood vessel relaxation and blood pressure regulation.
  • Viscous soluble fibers (psyllium, beta-glucan) — can help reduce triglycerides and improve lipid profiles.
  • Potassium-rich foods — not a supplement unless recommended; helps counter sodium effects on blood pressure.

Lifestyle Habits That Complement Your Genetics

  • Regular physical activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity plus resistance training twice weekly. Exercise improves blood pressure and triglycerides.
  • Weight management: Even modest weight loss can lower blood pressure and triglycerides.
  • Stress management: Chronic stress raises blood pressure through hormonal pathways. Use relaxation practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
  • Sleep: Target 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep per night; poor sleep negatively affects blood pressure and lipid metabolism.
  • Tobacco avoidance and limiting excessive alcohol: Smoking worsens cardiovascular risk; excess alcohol can raise triglycerides.

Blood Tests and Monitoring

Regular monitoring helps translate genetic awareness into actionable care. Discuss the following with your healthcare provider:

  • Blood pressure checks: Home monitoring and clinic measurements to track control over time.
  • Lipid panel: Fasting or non-fasting triglycerides, LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol to evaluate lipid status.
  • Basic metabolic panel: Glucose and kidney function tests as part of cardiovascular risk assessment.
  • Inflammation markers if indicated by your provider, such as hs-CRP, for broader risk evaluation.

Practical Tips to Get Started

  • Meal plan: Build weekly dinners around a plant or fish protein with a whole grain and plenty of vegetables.
  • Swap fats: Replace butter and margarine with extra-virgin olive oil for cooking and dressings.
  • Fish nights: Aim for 2 fish-based meals per week and one or more vegetarian protein meals.
  • Mindful carbs: Replace sugary drinks and refined snacks with water, nuts, fruit, or yogurt.
  • Track progress: Keep a simple log of blood pressure readings and triglyceride results to discuss with your provider.

Final notes and important disclaimer

PlexusDx shares genetic information to help you understand predispositions and lifestyle strategies that may support health. This content is educational only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to diet, starting supplements, or altering medications. Your provider can interpret your genetics alongside clinical testing and personal health history to make appropriate, individualized recommendations.