Cardiovascular Disease (ApoE) DNA Test

Cardiovascular Disease (ApoE) DNA Test

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

$195.00

Detailed 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 Genetics

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. It encodes Apolipoprotein E (ApoE), a protein involved in the production, delivery, and utilization of cholesterol in the body. A simple mouth swab is all we need to determine your APOE genotype.

Different Versions of the APOE Gene

There are several different versions or alleles of APOE. The three most common alleles are known as e2, e3 and e4. Each of these alleles produces a slightly different version of the ApoE protein.

  • e3: The most common, neutral allele. No increased or decreased risk of cardiovascular disease
  • e4: Associated with an increased risk of high LDL-cholesterol levels and atherosclerosis
  • e2: Associated with lower LDL-cholesterol levels in the blood, but increased risk of high blood sugar and hyperlipoproteinemia type III, leading to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease
  •  Two copies of the e3 allele:  Not at increased risk of CVD
  •  One e3 allele and one e2 allele: Not at increased risk of CVD
  •  Two copies of the e2 allele: Lower LDL-cholesterol but increased risk of hyperlipoproteinemia type III, which can contribute towards CVD
  •  One or two copies of the e4 allele: Elevated LDL-cholesterol and increased risk of CVD

Different versions of the APOE gene will also affect how a person responds to diet and statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs).

APOE e3/e4 and e4/e4 genotypes:

A low-fat diet is recommended for people with the e3/e4 and e4/e4 genotypes, as they are not able to metabolize fats very effectively. These individuals do not respond very well to statins.

APOE e2/e2 or e2/e3 genotypes:

Individuals with the e2/e2 or e2/e3 genotype are able to metabolize fats more efficiently, but have less effective metabolism of carbohydrates. They have a better response to statins.

There are several different versions or alleles of APOE. The three most common alleles are known as e2, e3 and e4. Each of these alleles produces a slightly different version of the ApoE protein.

  • e3: The most common, neutral allele. No increased or decreased risk of cardiovascular disease
  • e4: Associated with an increased risk of high LDL-cholesterol levels and atherosclerosis
  • e2: Associated with lower LDL-cholesterol levels in the blood, but increased risk of high blood sugar and hyperlipoproteinemia type III, leading to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease
  •  Two copies of the e3 allele:  Not at increased risk of CVD
  •  One e3 allele and one e2 allele: Not at increased risk of CVD
  •  Two copies of the e2 allele: Lower LDL-cholesterol but increased risk of hyperlipoproteinemia type III, which can contribute towards CVD
  •  One or two copies of the e4 allele: Elevated LDL-cholesterol and increased risk of CVD

Different versions of the APOE gene will also affect how a person responds to diet and statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs).

APOE e3/e4 and e4/e4 genotypes:

A low-fat diet is recommended for people with the e3/e4 and e4/e4 genotypes, as they are not able to metabolize fats very effectively. These individuals do not respond very well to statins.

APOE e2/e2 or e2/e3 genotypes:

Individuals with the e2/e2 or e2/e3 genotype are able to metabolize fats more efficiently, but have less effective metabolism of carbohydrates. They have a better response to statins.

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How It Works

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Order your test

Choose the test that matches your need from our large array of tests. The kit will be delivered to your doorstep. There is no need to leave the comfort of your home.

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Collect your sample

Register and activate your test. Collect your sample. Return your sample to our lab as soon as possible, using the prepaid envelope included in the kit.

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Quality guarantee

Your sample will be tested as soon as it arrives in our lab. Your results will be available through our secure online platform.

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