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Understanding Cholesterol and the CETP Gene

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance your body needs for hormone production, vitamin D synthesis, and digestion. It travels in the blood carried by lipoproteins, mainly LDL, often called "bad" cholesterol, and HDL, called "good" cholesterol. HDL helps clear excess cholesterol from artery walls and lower the risk of plaque buildup and heart disease.

The CETP gene makes a protein called cholesteryl ester transfer protein. CETP moves cholesterol and fats between different lipoprotein particles. Variations in the CETP gene can change how active this protein is, shifting HDL and LDL levels and altering cardiovascular risk.

How Your Genotype Affects Cholesterol

Your PlexusDx genetic result looks at a common CETP variant, rs708272. The effect of this variant is on CETP activity and downstream HDL levels. Below are easy to read interpretations for each possible genotype. Use the accordion to view the text that matches your result.

2 effect alleles (AA)

If you have the AA genotype for rs708272, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This variation is associated with reduced CETP protein activity. With less active CETP, less cholesterol is transferred from HDL to LDL. As a result, people with the AA genotype commonly have higher HDL cholesterol, which helps remove excess cholesterol from arteries and reduces plaque buildup. This profile is associated with a lower risk of heart attack and cardiovascular disease compared with people without this variant.

1 effect allele (AG)

If you have the AG genotype for rs708272, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This variant is associated with moderately reduced CETP activity, which typically leads to higher HDL cholesterol because less cholesterol is moved from HDL to LDL. Higher HDL supports removal of excess cholesterol from your arteries and is generally linked with a lower risk of heart attack compared with individuals without this variant.

0 effect alleles (GG)

If you have the GG genotype for rs708272, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This genotype is associated with typical CETP activity. CETP functions as a shuttle moving cholesterol between HDL and LDL at standard levels. HDL cholesterol in people with this genotype is likely in the typical range for their population, but remember that lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, weight, smoking, and stress play a major role too. About half of your cholesterol levels may be influenced by genetics and half by lifestyle.

What This Means for Your Heart Health

Having genetic variants that raise HDL is generally favorable, because HDL assists in removing cholesterol from arteries. However, genetics is only one piece of the picture. Your overall cardiovascular risk depends on total cholesterol, LDL levels, blood pressure, blood sugar control, smoking status, weight, activity level, and family history.

Practical Steps to Support Healthy Cholesterol

Diet

  • Choose heart healthy fats: prioritize monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats from olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish.
  • Limit saturated fats from fatty cuts of meat, full fat dairy, and tropical oils. Replace with lean proteins and plant-based proteins when possible.
  • Reduce trans fats found in some processed and fried foods.
  • Increase soluble fiber from oats, beans, lentils, fruits, and vegetables. Soluble fiber helps reduce LDL cholesterol.
  • Include plant sterol or stanol enriched foods if appropriate. These compounds can modestly lower LDL cholesterol when consumed as part of a heart healthy diet.

Supplements to Consider

  • Omega-3 fatty acids: fish oil or algae-based omega-3s can support triglyceride control and overall heart health. Use under medical guidance.
  • Plant sterols: available as supplements or fortified foods; may reduce LDL cholesterol when used correctly.
  • Fiber supplements: psyllium can help lower LDL when combined with diet and lifestyle changes.
  • Coenzyme Q10: sometimes recommended if taking certain cholesterol-lowering medications, but only after discussing with your healthcare provider.

Lifestyle

  • Exercise regularly: aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, plus strength training twice weekly.
  • Maintain or reach a healthy weight: losing excess weight tends to improve HDL and lower LDL and triglycerides.
  • Avoid smoking: quitting smoking improves HDL levels and lowers cardiovascular risk quickly.
  • Manage stress: chronic stress can affect heart health and behaviors that influence cholesterol.

Tests and Monitoring

  • Ask your healthcare provider for a fasting or non-fasting lipid panel to check total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.
  • Repeat testing at intervals recommended by your provider, especially if you make lifestyle changes or start new medications or supplements.
  • If you have other risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a strong family history of early heart disease, discuss more intensive monitoring or preventive strategies with your provider.

When to Talk With Your Healthcare Provider

Share your PlexusDx results with your healthcare provider, especially if you have a history of heart disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors. Your provider can interpret genetic information alongside clinical tests and personal health history to create a personalized plan.

Limitations and Important Notice

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions only. This report does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, diet, or exercise plan. Genetic results are one factor among many that affect your health. Your provider can help you interpret these results in the context of your complete medical history and guide appropriate testing and care.