Heart Health DNA Test
$349
Your Heart Health, Your DNA
Our at-home DNA Heart Health Test offers you a comprehensive look into your genetic predispositions related to heart health. By analyzing specific genetic variants, this test provides insights into your risk for heart disease, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels, allowing you to make informed decisions about your health.
- Cardiac Genetics: Screen for variants affecting cholesterol, triglycerides, and inflammation markers.
- Know Your Numbers: Identify gene variants linked to high LDL, low HDL, and high C-reactive protein.
- Easy At-Home Testing: Collect your DNA with a simple, painless mouth swab and receive confidential results online.
How it Works
Order your DNA Kit
Place your order online, and we’ll send you a DNA test kit with everything you need to collect your samples.
Collect DNA Samples
Follow the detailed, step-by-step instructions to collect DNA samples using the provided mouth swabs.
Lab Analysis
Use the provided return envelope to mail your DNA samples to our laboratory for analysis.
Receive Results
Download your results from your secure online account as soon as they’re ready.
About Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a broad term for a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery disease, heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. It’s a leading cause of death worldwide, with its prevalence rising due to unhealthy lifestyles, aging populations, and increased rates of obesity and diabetes.
The Role of Lipids
A key contributor to CVD is dyslipidemia, characterized by abnormal levels of lipids (fats) like cholesterol and triglycerides. These lipids play a critical role in atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in the arteries.
- Cholesterol: This waxy substance is essential for hormone production and cell membrane maintenance. However, high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol, can contribute to plaque buildup, raising the risk of heart disease and stroke. Conversely, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or “good” cholesterol, removes excess cholesterol from arteries, reducing CVD risk.
- Triglycerides: These lipids come from food or are produced by the body. High triglyceride levels can also lead to atherosclerosis and increase heart disease risk.
Lipid metabolism and cholesterol regulation involve complex pathways influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Genetic variations can disrupt these processes, causing imbalances in cholesterol and triglyceride levels. For instance, variations in the LDLR gene, responsible for LDL receptor production, can hinder the body’s ability to remove LDL cholesterol, potentially raising levels and CVD risk. Variations in APOA5, LIPC, and CETP can affect HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
The Genetics of Heart Health
Your genes significantly influence your risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). While lifestyle choices like diet, exercise, and smoking contribute, genetic variations can also impact lipid metabolism, cholesterol regulation, and other factors crucial for heart health.
Numerous genes contribute to CVD and dyslipidemia. These genes regulate cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and other factors related to cardiovascular health through various pathways.
- LDLR Gene: Variations in this gene, which codes for the LDL receptor, can affect the body’s ability to remove LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Certain variants may lead to higher LDL levels and increased CVD risk.
- APOA5 Gene: This gene is crucial for triglyceride regulation. Variations can lead to imbalanced triglyceride levels, impacting cardiovascular risk.
- LIPC and CETP Genes: These genes influence HDL cholesterol metabolism. Variations can affect HDL levels and subsequently CVD risk.
Genetic variations can also impact other pathways, including inflammation, blood clotting, and endothelial function (the health of blood vessel linings). For example, variations in the NOS3 gene, involved in nitric oxide production for blood vessel regulation, are linked to increased CVD risk.
Note that the impact of genetic variations on CVD risk is often complex, influenced by interactions with other genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Having a specific variant doesn’t guarantee CVD development but indicates an altered risk.
Understanding Your Results
The at-home DNA Heart Health Test analyzes over 30 genetic variants associated with various aspects of heart health, including cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and lipid metabolism.
| Genes | Variants | Description |
|---|---|---|
| LPA | rs3798220, rs10455872 | Linked to increased levels of lipoprotein(a), a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. |
| GCKR | rs1260326 | Associated with impaired glucose metabolism and increased risk of type 2 diabetes, which can contribute to cardiovascular disease. |
| LIPC | rs1800588, rs10468017, rs2070895 | Involved in the metabolism of HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Variations can affect HDL and triglyceride levels. |
| ANGPTL4 | rs2967605 | Linked to decreased levels of HDL cholesterol, which is a protective factor against cardiovascular disease. |
| APOA5/A4/C3/A1 | rs964184 | Associated with increased triglyceride levels and decreased HDL cholesterol levels, both of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. |
| GALNT2 | rs4846914 | Linked to increased triglyceride levels and decreased HDL cholesterol levels. |
| TRIB1 | rs2954029 | Associated with decreased triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels, which can be protective against cardiovascular disease. |
| NOS3 | rs1799983 | Involved in the production of nitric oxide, which regulates blood vessel function. Variations can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. |
| LPL | rs12678919, rs328 | Linked to decreased triglyceride levels and increased HDL cholesterol levels, which can be protective against cardiovascular disease. |
| NCAN | rs16996148 | Associated with decreased LDL cholesterol levels, which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. |
| ANGPTL3 | rs10889353 | Linked to decreased triglyceride levels, which can be protective against cardiovascular disease. |
| MLXIPL | rs714052 | Associated with decreased triglyceride levels, which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. |
| HNF1A | rs2650000 | Linked to increased LDL cholesterol levels, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. |
| HMGCR | rs3846663 | Involved in cholesterol synthesis. Variations can affect LDL cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease risk. |
| SUGP1 | rs10401969 | Associated with decreased LDL cholesterol levels, which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. |
| PCSK9 | rs11206510 | Linked to decreased LDL cholesterol levels, which can be protective against cardiovascular disease. |
| LDLR | rs6511720 | Variations in this gene can affect the body’s ability to remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream, impacting cardiovascular disease risk. |
| SORT1 | rs12740374 | Associated with decreased LDL cholesterol levels, which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. |
| APOB | rs515135 | Linked to decreased LDL cholesterol levels, which can be protective against cardiovascular disease. |
| LCAT | rs2271293 | Involved in HDL cholesterol metabolism. Variations can affect HDL levels and cardiovascular disease risk. |
| CETP | rs247616, rs1800775, rs708272 | Linked to increased HDL cholesterol levels, which can be protective against cardiovascular disease. |
| HNF4A | rs1800961 | Associated with decreased HDL cholesterol levels, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. |
| MMAB | rs2338104 | Linked to decreased HDL cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. |
| LIPG | rs4939883 | Involved in HDL cholesterol metabolism. Variations can affect HDL levels and cardiovascular disease risk. |
| 9p21 | rs1333049 | Associated with cell proliferation and inflammation, which can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. |
| FADS1 | rs174547 | Linked to increased triglyceride levels, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. |
| FADS1 | rs174547, rs174537 | Associated with altered levels of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, which can impact cardiovascular disease risk. |
| FADS1 | rs174537 | Linked to decreased LDL cholesterol levels, which can be protective against cardiovascular disease. |
Understanding the science behind these variants can provide valuable insights into an individual’s predispositions related to various aspects of cardiovascular health, including cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and overall risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Remember, this test is not intended to diagnose or predict heart disease. It’s a tool to empower you with knowledge and help you make informed decisions about your heart health in consultation with your healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can the Heart Health DNA Test tell me?
This test provides insight into your genetic predisposition for poor heart health. It analyzes a wide range of genes that influence how your body handles cholesterol and triglycerides, which are key factors in cardiovascular wellness.
Who should consider this DNA test?
This test is for any adult who wants to be proactive about their cardiovascular health, especially those with a family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, or other cardiovascular issues. It provides a deeper level of understanding beyond standard cholesterol tests.
How do I provide a sample for the test?
The test requires a simple, non-invasive mouth swab sample. Your kit will include everything you need to easily collect a sample of your cheek cells at home in just a few minutes.
How does genetics influence heart health?
Your genes play a crucial role in regulating your body’s levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL), “bad” cholesterol (LDL), and triglycerides. Certain genetic variants can predispose you to higher or lower levels, directly impacting your long-term heart health risk.
How do I apply the results to improve my health?
The insights from this test can help you and your healthcare provider create a highly personalized prevention plan. If you have a genetic risk for high cholesterol, you might implement more aggressive diet and exercise changes or discuss medication options with your doctor sooner.
Is this a substitute for a regular cholesterol test?
No. This genetic test and a regular blood cholesterol test provide different, but complementary, information. This DNA test reveals your lifelong, underlying predisposition, while a blood test shows your current cholesterol levels, which are affected by both genes and recent lifestyle.
Is your testing facility reputable and accredited?
How will I receive my results?
How long does it take to get results?
Once your sample is received by our laboratory, processing usually takes 6-8 weeks. You will receive an email notification when your results are ready, and you can access your detailed report through a secure online portal.
Is the testing process confidential?
Yes, your confidentiality is guaranteed. From the discreet packaging of the test kit to the secure delivery of your results, we ensure your privacy is protected every step of the way.
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