Cardiovascular Disease (ApoE) DNA Test

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 involved in cardiovascular disease. It encodes Apolipoprotein E (ApoE), a protein involved in the production, delivery, and utilization of cholesterol in the body.

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

 How Does Your APOE Genotype Influence Your 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

 Discover More 

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.

  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

NOTE: Please provide your email address for reporting results.