Cardiovascular Disease (ApoE) DNA Test
$240.00
The APOE gene influences both your risk of a heart attack, and your best approach to lower cholesterol levels. Find out your risk and the best treatment option for you.
- Examines variants of the APOE gene
- The e2 allele associated with an increased risk of hyperlipoproteinemia type III
- The e4 allele linked to high LDL-cholesterol & increased risk of heart disease
- Uncover the most effective ways to improve your heart health
DESCRIPTION
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) include heart attack and stroke. Maintaining normal cholesterol levels is essential for the prevention of CVD.
LDL-cholesterol is often referred to as the “bad” cholesterol. It collects in the walls of your blood vessels, where it can cause blockages and scarring known as atherosclerosis. Increased LDL-cholesterol levels put you at greater risk for CVD.
Other contributing factors to CVD include elevated triglycerides (the main form of storage fat in our body) and high levels of other low-density lipoproteins (e.g. beta-very low-density lipoproteins).
Hyperlipoproteinemia type III is one disease characterized by elevated triglycerides and beta-very low-density lipoproteins. It is associated with an early onset of peripheral vascular disease and CVD.
The APOE gene is a major genetic risk factor involved in CVD. It can also influence how well you will respond to dietary changes and blood pressure lowering medications to control your cholesterol levels. A simple mouth swab is all we need to determine your APOE genotype.
THE GENETICS
The APOE gene is a major genetic risk factor that influences the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) protein that is produced by this gene is involved in the metabolism and transport of cholesterol in the body.
There are three main versions, or alleles, of the APOE gene: e2, e3, and e4. Each of these alleles produces a slightly different version of the ApoE protein, which can affect the way that cholesterol is transported and metabolized in the body.
- e3: This is the most common allele and is considered neutral, meaning that it is not associated with an increased or decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.
- e4: This allele is associated with an increased risk of high LDL-cholesterol levels and atherosclerosis, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- e2: This allele is associated with lower LDL-cholesterol levels in the blood but an increased risk of high blood sugar and hyperlipoproteinemia type III, which can contribute to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
DISCOVER MORE
The different versions of the APOE gene can affect how a person responds to diet and statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs).
APOE e3/e4 and e4/e4 genotypes: People with the e3/e4 and e4/e4 genotypes are not able to metabolize fats effectively and should follow a low-fat diet. They may not respond well to statins.
APOE e2/e2 or e2/e3 genotypes: Individuals with the e2/e2 or e2/e3 genotype can metabolize fats more efficiently but have less effective metabolism of carbohydrates. They respond better to statins.
How Does Your APOE Genotype Influence Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease?
- If you have two copies of the e3 allele, you are not at increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
- If you have one e3 allele and one e2 allele, you are not at increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
- If you have two copies of the e2 allele, you have lower LDL-cholesterol but increased risk of hyperlipoproteinemia type III, which can contribute to cardiovascular disease.
- If you have one or two copies of the e4 allele, you have elevated LDL-cholesterol and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
HOW IT WORKS
Step 1: Order test kit online
Step 2: Collect DNA sample using a painless mouth swab, and mail to the lab in the provided return envelope
Step 3: Receive your results online