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CETP Gene and Longevity: What Your rs5882 Result Means

Longevity — how long a person lives and how well they age — is shaped by genetics, lifestyle, and environment. One gene that influences these outcomes is CETP (cholesteryl ester transfer protein). CETP helps move cholesterol and fats between different lipoproteins in the bloodstream and plays a central role in maintaining healthy HDL cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol associated with heart and brain protection. Variations in the CETP gene, like the rs5882 variant, can shift cholesterol balance and have been linked to differences in lifespan and dementia risk.

How CETP Affects Heart and Brain Health

CETP regulates how cholesterol is exchanged between HDL and other lipoproteins. Higher HDL levels are generally associated with better removal of excess cholesterol from tissues and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Some CETP variants are linked with higher HDL and with a reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia later in life. Genetics shape a predisposition, not a guarantee — lifestyle and clinical care remain the most powerful levers you control.

Genetic Interpretations

2 effect alleles — GG (rs5882)

If your genotype is GG, you carry two copies of the effect allele for rs5882. This pattern has been associated with favorable outcomes for longevity and cognitive health. People with GG tend to have higher HDL cholesterol levels and a lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease compared with other genotypes. The underlying mechanism is thought to involve altered CETP activity that supports a more favorable cholesterol distribution in the bloodstream, which may protect cardiovascular and brain health as you age.

1 effect allele — AG (rs5882)

If your genotype is AG, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with a moderate increase in HDL cholesterol and a tendency toward longer lifespan and improved cognitive outcomes relative to the non-effect genotype. AG suggests a partial advantage in CETP-mediated cholesterol handling, which may support cardiovascular resilience and brain health over time. Remember that this is a predisposition and lifestyle factors can amplify or reduce genetic effects.

0 effect alleles — AA (rs5882)

If your genotype is AA, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This reflects the common, baseline CETP pattern for cholesterol exchange. While AA is not associated with the enhanced HDL and longevity signals seen with the effect allele, many proven lifestyle and clinical strategies can support healthy aging and reduce cardiovascular and dementia risk regardless of genotype.

What These Results Do and Do Not Mean

  • Do mean you have a genetic tendency that influences HDL cholesterol and may affect long-term cardiovascular and cognitive risk.
  • Do not mean you will definitely live longer or avoid dementia; genes interact with diet, activity, sleep, stress, and medical care.
  • Do not replace clinical evaluation; lipid panels and personalized care are important for assessing and managing risk.

Practical Recommendations to Support Heart and Brain Health

Diet

  • Adopt a Mediterranean-style eating pattern: plenty of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and olive oil; moderate fish and poultry; limited red and processed meats and sweets.
  • Increase omega-3 rich foods: fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel), walnuts, flaxseed, and chia seed.
  • Choose healthy fats: extra virgin olive oil, avocados, and nuts over saturated and trans fats.
  • Prioritize fiber: target whole-food sources to support lipid metabolism and gut health.
  • Limit added sugars and highly processed foods that worsen lipid profiles and inflammation.

Supplements (consider discussing with your healthcare provider)

  • Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA): may support triglyceride lowering, cardiovascular health, and brain function.
  • Vitamin D: support for immune health, bone health, and potential links to cognitive function if deficient.
  • Fiber supplements (psyllium): can help lower LDL cholesterol when used with dietary change.
  • Do not use supplements as a substitute for a healthy diet. Discuss dosing, interactions, and appropriateness with your provider.

Physical Activity

  • Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, plus two days per week of strength training.
  • Include activities that support cardiovascular fitness, balance, and muscle mass to protect healthspan as you age.

Sleep and Stress

  • Target 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep per night; poor sleep negatively affects cholesterol, inflammation, and cognitive function.
  • Use stress management strategies: mindfulness, breathwork, social connections, and regular physical activity to lower chronic stress impacts on health.

Clinical Monitoring and Tests

  • Get regular lipid profiles (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides) to understand how your lifestyle and genetics are affecting your heart health.
  • Consider additional cardiovascular risk assessments (blood pressure, fasting glucose/HbA1c, inflammatory markers) as recommended by your clinician.
  • If family history or other risk factors exist, discuss earlier or more frequent screening and individualized prevention strategies with your healthcare provider.

Next Steps

  • Review your CETP result within the context of your full genetic report and personal medical history.
  • Share your results with your healthcare provider to integrate genetic information into a personalized plan for prevention and monitoring.
  • Use lifestyle strategies above to support HDL and overall cardiovascular and brain health regardless of genotype.

Important Disclaimer

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions only and does not provide medical advice. This content is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always discuss your genetic results, testing options, and any changes to diet, supplements, or medications with your healthcare provider before making health decisions.