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LDLR and Heart Health: What Your rs6511720 Genotype Means

Heart health is essential for a long and vibrant life. A strong heart pumps blood efficiently, delivering oxygen and nutrients and lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke. A key part of heart health is managing cholesterol, especially low-density lipoprotein or LDL, often called "bad" cholesterol. High LDL can lead to artery blockages and cardiovascular problems.

The LDLR gene helps regulate LDL by making receptors that clear LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. The rs6511720 variant in LDLR can influence how well these receptors work. Below you will find an easy to understand explanation of how each genotype relates to cholesterol handling and practical next steps you can take to support heart health.

How to use this information

  • This report explains one genetic factor related to LDL cholesterol. It does not predict or diagnose disease on its own.
  • Combine genetic insights with routine blood testing, your medical history, family history, and lifestyle to get a full picture of cardiovascular risk.
  • PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always discuss genetic results and any health changes with your healthcare provider.
2 effect alleles (TT) — Two copies of the effect allele

Your TT genotype for rs6511720 is associated with lower LDL cholesterol levels and potentially lower cardiovascular disease risk. The T alleles may support more efficient LDL receptor function, helping cells capture and clear LDL from the bloodstream. This enhanced clearance can contribute to naturally healthier LDL levels.

What this might mean

  • Potential for lower baseline LDL compared with people without the effect allele.
  • May translate to a modestly reduced genetic predisposition to developing high LDL related to this pathway.
  • Overall cardiovascular risk still depends on many factors beyond this single variant.

Actionable recommendations

  • Continue routine cholesterol screening as recommended by your provider to monitor LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol.
  • Follow a heart-healthy diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats from sources like olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish.
  • Include omega-3 rich foods such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, chia seeds, and walnuts several times per week.
  • Limit saturated and trans fats, reduce intake of added sugars and refined carbohydrates, and choose fiber-rich foods to support LDL lowering.
  • Stay physically active with at least 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, plus strength training twice per week.
  • Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol intake to recommended guidelines.
  • Manage stress with techniques that work for you such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, or regular movement.
  • Discuss with your healthcare provider whether additional testing or preventive strategies are needed based on your full risk profile.
1 effect allele (GT) — One copy of the effect allele

Your GT genotype for rs6511720 is associated with moderately lower LDL cholesterol compared with people who do not carry the T allele. The LDLR protein acts like a doorway on cell surfaces that captures LDL for removal from circulation. Carrying one T allele may modestly enhance this clearance process.

What this might mean

  • Possible modest reduction in LDL levels relative to the non-effect genotype.
  • May contribute to a slightly lower genetic predisposition to high LDL via this specific pathway.
  • Does not eliminate the impact of diet, activity, other genes, and non-genetic risk factors.

Actionable recommendations

  • Have lipids checked regularly and review trends with your healthcare provider.
  • Adopt or maintain a heart-healthy diet with an emphasis on whole, minimally processed foods and high dietary fiber.
  • Include regular physical activity and maintain a healthy weight to support favorable lipid levels.
  • Consider foods high in soluble fiber such as oats, barley, beans, lentils, apples, and citrus to help lower LDL.
  • Eat fatty fish or consider an omega-3 supplement if dietary intake is low, after discussing with your provider.
  • Limit highly processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive alcohol.
  • Talk to your provider about personalized risk reduction plans, including when medication might be appropriate based on overall risk.
0 effect alleles (GG) — No copies of the effect allele

Your GG genotype for rs6511720 is associated with typical LDLR expression and standard LDL regulation. The LDL receptors made from the LDLR gene help capture LDL cholesterol and remove it from circulation at baseline efficiency. With GG, this pathway operates at what is considered average performance.

What this might mean

  • Your genetic predisposition at this specific location does not include the LDL lowering effect seen with the T allele.
  • Baseline LDL receptor function is expected to be average, so lifestyle and other genetic factors will strongly influence your cholesterol levels.

Actionable recommendations

  • Prioritize lifestyle strategies known to lower LDL and protect heart health.
  • Focus on a diet rich in soluble fiber, plant sterols, and unsaturated fats while minimizing saturated and trans fats.
  • Maintain regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and stress management practices.
  • If you have a family history of high cholesterol or early heart disease, discuss more frequent testing or genetic counseling with your provider.
  • If lipid levels are high, work with your provider to evaluate treatment options which may include prescription therapy when indicated.

Diet and supplements to consider

  • Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds for fiber and heart protective nutrients.
  • Choose lean protein sources and fatty fish twice per week for omega-3s.
  • Use heart healthy oils such as olive or canola oil instead of butter or shortening.
  • Consider dietary sources of plant sterols such as fortified foods if recommended by your provider.
  • Supplements that may support heart health include omega-3 fish oil and soluble fiber supplements like psyllium. Discuss doses and interactions with your healthcare provider.

Lifestyle and monitoring

  • Get routine lipid panels as recommended by your healthcare provider. Track LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol over time.
  • Maintain a regular physical activity routine and avoid tobacco.
  • Manage body weight, aim for quality sleep, and address stress through proven strategies.
  • If you have other risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of early heart disease, work with your provider on a comprehensive prevention plan.

When to talk to your healthcare provider

  • If your cholesterol tests show LDL outside recommended ranges
  • If you have a strong family history of premature cardiovascular disease
  • Before starting supplements, making major diet changes, or adding new exercise routines
  • If you are interested in further genetic testing or counseling

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions and does not provide medical advice. This report is not a diagnosis and should not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always discuss test results, symptoms, and treatment options with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate plan for your health and wellbeing.