HSA | FSA CARDS ARE NOW ACCEPTED

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.

How ACE Gene Variations Affect Heart Health and Longevity

Heart health is essential for longevity. A strong, efficient heart and flexible blood vessels help maintain healthy blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. One gene that influences cardiovascular function is ACE. The ACE gene controls production of an enzyme that converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II. Angiotensin II narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure. Different versions of the ACE gene change how much of this enzyme your body makes, which can affect blood pressure regulation, weight trends, and even athletic tendencies.

What this means for you

Genetic results for the ACE variant rs4343 fall into three categories. Each corresponds to different ACE enzyme activity levels and slightly different practical considerations for diet, exercise, supplements, and monitoring. Below you will find clear, actionable guidance tailored to each genotype, plus general lifestyle and testing suggestions to support long-term cardiovascular wellness.

2 effect alleles (GG) — Higher ACE activity

Having two effect alleles (GG) is associated with higher ACE enzyme activity. This leads to increased production of angiotensin II, which can narrow blood vessels and raise blood pressure. People with this genotype may have a greater genetic predisposition to hypertension and potential weight gain. On the positive side, higher ACE activity has been linked to improved performance in power-based activities that require short, forceful muscle contractions.

Practical recommendations

  • Diet: Adopt a sodium conscious diet. Aim to limit processed foods and added salt. Focus on whole foods, plenty of vegetables, fruits, lean protein, and whole grains.
  • Potassium rich foods: Include leafy greens, bananas, sweet potatoes, beans, lentils, yogurt, and avocados to support blood pressure regulation.
  • Weight management: Maintain a healthy weight through portion control and consistent physical activity to reduce strain on the cardiovascular system.
  • Exercise: Combine resistance and power training with regular aerobic workouts. Short bursts of high intensity work well for power traits, but include sustained cardio to support vascular health.
  • Supplements: Consider discussing CoQ10 with your healthcare provider. CoQ10 may support cardiovascular function. Only start supplements after consulting your provider, especially if you take blood pressure medication.
  • Stress and sleep: Prioritize stress reduction techniques such as paced breathing, mindfulness, or yoga and aim for consistent sleep patterns to help regulate blood pressure.
  • Monitoring: Check blood pressure regularly at home and share readings with your clinician.
  • Blood tests: Periodic lipid panel, fasting glucose or A1c, basic metabolic panel for kidney function and electrolytes, and any tests your provider recommends based on risk factors.
1 effect allele (AG) — Intermediate ACE activity

Carrying one effect allele (AG) leads to intermediate ACE enzyme activity. Your body produces a moderate amount of the enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II. This balanced profile places you between higher and lower ACE activity extremes. That can translate to a mix of endurance and power related athletic tendencies, and a moderate genetic influence on blood pressure regulation.

Practical recommendations

  • Diet: Emphasize a heart healthy pattern such as the Mediterranean approach. Reduce highly processed foods and added sodium while increasing vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive oil.
  • Potassium rich foods: Regularly include potassium sources such as leafy greens, bananas, beans, and yogurt to support balanced blood pressure.
  • Exercise: Maintain a varied program that includes both endurance activities like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming and strength or power training sessions a few times a week.
  • Supplements: CoQ10 may be beneficial for some people. Talk with your healthcare provider to assess suitability and interactions with any medications.
  • Stress and sleep: Practice regular sleep hygiene and stress management to support healthy cardiovascular regulation.
  • Monitoring: Check blood pressure periodically and discuss home readings with your clinician if you notice upward trends.
  • Blood tests: Routine monitoring including lipid panel and fasting glucose or A1c is recommended. Add renal function and electrolyte checks if your clinician advises.
0 effect alleles (AA) — Lower ACE activity

Having two non effect alleles (AA) is associated with lower ACE enzyme activity. This typically means less production of angiotensin II, which can support more flexible blood vessels and a more favorable blood pressure profile. Lower ACE activity may also be associated with endurance advantages where efficient, sustained cardiovascular performance is helpful.

Practical recommendations

  • Diet: Continue a balanced, whole food based diet that is low in added sodium and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
  • Potassium rich foods: Keep including potassium sources for overall cardiovascular and metabolic health.
  • Exercise: Favor endurance activities such as jogging, cycling, swimming, or long walks. Include strength training for overall fitness and bone health.
  • Supplements: CoQ10 might still be considered in some situations but is generally not required solely based on this genotype. Discuss with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
  • Stress and sleep: Maintain stress reduction practices and good sleep habits to support general health.
  • Monitoring: Even with a favorable genetic profile, periodic blood pressure checks and routine health screening remain important.
  • Blood tests: Standard cardiovascular risk tests such as lipid panel and glucose or A1c are recommended at intervals advised by your clinician.

General heart healthy strategies for everyone

  • Limit sodium: Aim for the lowest sodium intake that is practical for you. Flavor foods with herbs, spices, citrus, and vinegar instead of salt.
  • Eat more plants: Make vegetables and fruits the mainstays of your meals to boost potassium, fiber, and micronutrients.
  • Move regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week plus muscle strengthening on 2 or more days a week.
  • Manage stress: Use techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, time in nature, social connection, or mindful movement.
  • Sleep well: Target consistent sleep duration and quality each night to support cardiovascular recovery and metabolic health.
  • Avoid tobacco and limit excessive alcohol: Both increase cardiovascular risk.
  • Know your numbers: Track blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight to spot changes early.

When to talk to your healthcare provider

  • If home blood pressure readings are consistently elevated.
  • If you have a family history of early heart disease or stroke.
  • If you are considering supplements such as CoQ10 or making major changes to medications, diet, or exercise.
  • If you have other chronic conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or lipid disorders.

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions only. This content is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting supplements, changing medications, or making major lifestyle changes. Your provider can integrate these genetic insights with your personal health history and current medical care to build a safe, effective plan for heart health and longevity.

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 HEART HEALTH and ACE rs4343

What does the ACE rs4343 variant have to do with heart health?

The ACE gene helps control production of an enzyme that converts angiotensin I into angiotensin II. Angiotensin II can narrow blood vessels and raise blood pressure, so different rs4343 versions can shift your ACE enzyme activity level and influence blood pressure regulation, weight trends, and potentially athletic tendencies.

How do the ACE rs4343 genotypes (GG, AG, AA) differ for cardiovascular risk?

rs4343 GG (2 effect alleles) is associated with higher ACE activity, which may increase genetic predisposition to hypertension and potential weight gain, while also being linked to power-focused performance. rs4343 AG (1 effect allele) is associated with intermediate ACE activity and a balance between endurance and power tendencies, with a moderate influence on blood pressure. rs4343 AA (0 effect alleles) is associated with lower ACE activity, which typically supports more flexible blood vessels and a more favorable blood pressure profile, and may be linked to endurance advantages.

What should I do if I have an ACE rs4343 variant—diet, exercise, and supplements?

Regardless of genotype, focus on sodium awareness, more plant foods (for fiber and potassium), regular movement (at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity plus strength training 2+ days/week), stress management, and consistent sleep. For rs4343 GG, prioritize limiting processed foods/added salt, include potassium-rich foods, combine resistance/power training with sustained cardio, consider discussing CoQ10 with your clinician, and monitor blood pressure at home. For AG, a Mediterranean-style heart-healthy diet and a mix of endurance plus strength training are commonly recommended; CoQ10 may be considered with clinician input. For AA, endurance-focused activity (plus strength training for overall fitness and bones) and ongoing low-sodium whole-food eating remain key; CoQ10 is generally not required based on genotype alone. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting supplements or making major changes, especially if you’re on blood pressure medication or have other chronic conditions.

What tests can help me learn more about HEART HEALTH and ACE rs4343?

The Longevity and Healthy Aging Genetic Test delivers over 200 genetic insights related to cellular repair, inflammation balance, metabolism, cardiometabolic health, and aging pathways. The Longevity and Lifespan 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.