Sodium | AGT (rs699)

How AGT Gene Variants Influence Salt Sensitivity and Blood Pressure

Sodium is an essential mineral that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve and muscle function, and blood pressure. Too much sodium can cause the body to retain extra water, raising blood volume and increasing strain on the heart and blood vessels. The AGT gene makes angiotensinogen, a key protein in the renin-angiotensin system that helps control blood pressure. Variants in AGT can change how sensitive your blood pressure is to dietary sodium. Knowing your AGT rs699 genotype can help you tailor diet and lifestyle choices to better support cardiovascular health.

How salt sensitivity works

Angiotensinogen is converted into angiotensin II, a hormone that narrows blood vessels and signals the kidneys to retain sodium and water.
Higher angiotensinogen or more active renin-angiotensin signaling can amplify blood pressure responses when you eat sodium.
Salt sensitivity varies between people. Genetics, age, race, kidney function, medications, and overall diet all play roles.

What this means for you

Genetic results for AGT rs699 indicate how reactive your cardiovascular system may be to dietary sodium. Regardless of genotype, healthy habits—such as eating whole foods, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight—support blood pressure control. The sections below explain likely effects by genotype and practical steps you can take.

Two effect alleles — AA (higher salt sensitivity)

You carry two copies of the effect allele at rs699. This genotype is associated with greater salt sensitivity. Your body may produce more angiotensinogen or respond more strongly to it, so sodium intake may cause larger increases in blood pressure compared to people with other genotypes. Managing sodium is likely to be especially beneficial for maintaining healthy blood pressure and reducing long-term cardiovascular risk.

Target daily sodium: aim for lower intake (for many people this means under 1,500–2,000 mg per day), tailored with your healthcare provider.
Focus on whole, unprocessed foods and cook with herbs and citrus instead of salt.
Increase potassium-rich foods to help counter sodium effects.

One effect allele — GA (moderate salt sensitivity)

You carry one copy of the effect allele at rs699. This genotype indicates moderate salt sensitivity. Your blood pressure may be somewhat more responsive to sodium than people without the variant, but not as strongly as those with two copies. Moderating sodium and emphasizing heart-healthy dietary patterns can help control blood pressure.

Target daily sodium: consider staying within common guideline ranges (about 1,500–2,300 mg/day) depending on your health status.
Choose fresh produce, lean proteins, and whole grains. Limit processed and restaurant foods that are often high in hidden sodium.
Monitor blood pressure regularly, especially after dietary changes.

Zero effect alleles — GG (typical salt response)

You carry two copies of the non-effect allele at rs699. This genotype suggests your blood pressure is less likely to be strongly affected by sodium compared to other genotypes at this location. However, genetic results are only one factor. Lifestyle, other genes, medications, and underlying conditions also influence blood pressure. Maintaining moderate sodium intake and healthy habits remains important.

Target daily sodium: follow standard healthy-eating guidelines (often up to 2,300 mg/day unless your provider advises lower).
Maintain balanced diet and monitor blood pressure as part of routine care.
Remember sodium tolerance does not eliminate other cardiovascular risk factors.

Dietary recommendations

Adopt a DASH-style pattern: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, nuts, and seeds.
Prioritize fresh or frozen vegetables over canned; if using canned goods, rinse to remove excess sodium.
Limit processed meats, cured foods, packaged snacks, fast food, and many restaurant meals, which are common sources of hidden sodium.
Use flavor builders such as garlic, onion, citrus, vinegar, and salt-free spice blends instead of salt.
Increase potassium-rich foods: bananas, oranges, potatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach, beans, lentils, and yogurt. Higher dietary potassium can help offset sodium effects on blood pressure. Consult your provider if you have kidney disease or take medications that affect potassium.

Supplement considerations

Most people should aim to get nutrients from food first. A balanced multivitamin may be helpful if dietary intake is limited.
Potassium supplements are typically not recommended unless directed by a healthcare provider because excess potassium can be harmful in certain conditions.
Omega-3 fish oil may support cardiovascular health but will not directly change salt sensitivity. Discuss dose and interactions with your provider.

Lifestyle strategies

Physical activity: aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week. Exercise helps lower blood pressure and improves vascular function.
Achieve and maintain a healthy weight: even small weight loss can reduce blood pressure.
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake: both can raise blood pressure and harm cardiovascular health.
Manage stress: techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, sleep hygiene, and regular physical activity can improve blood pressure control.

Testing and monitoring

Monitor blood pressure at home and share readings with your healthcare provider. Home monitoring helps reveal how your blood pressure responds to diet, activity, and medications.
Routine labs to discuss with your provider: basic metabolic panel to check kidney function and electrolytes, lipid panel, and other tests based on your health history.
If you are on blood pressure medications or have existing heart or kidney disease, consult your provider before making dietary or supplement changes.

When to talk with your healthcare provider

Share your genetic results with your provider so they can interpret them in the context of your overall health, family history, medications, and other risk factors. Genetic information helps guide lifestyle choices but is not a substitute for clinical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment.

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions only. This content is not medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, exercise routine, or medications.