Do you have a family history of heart attacks?
You may have inherited genetic variants that affect your:
- Cholesterol – reduced “good” HDL-cholesterol or excess “bad” LDL-cholesterol can block the blood vessels
- Triglycerides – excess contribute to obesity and heart disease
- C-reactive protein – elevated levels lead to heart disease
- Lipoprotein(a) – similar to “bad” LDL-cholesterol, with excess levels causing narrowing of the blood vessels
Understand your risk of cardiovascular disease and make changes today to protect your heart health
Cardiovascular disease refers to a large spectrum of disorders, many of which involve narrowed or blocked blood vessels, leading to chest pain (angina), heart attacks and strokes. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death (over 30% of all deaths worldwide). Knowledge of your genetic variants that contribute to heart health allows you to make changes today to avoid cardiovascular complications.
NOTE: This test will be available late 2018
Factors that affect your cardiovascular health
Both lifestyle and genetic factors can lead to abnormal levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, CRP and lipoproteins in the body, resulting in a greatly increased risk of life-threatening cardiovascular disease.
- Cholesterol – A fat-like substance that is produced in our body and obtained from some foods. It is transported around the body in two kinds of lipoproteins – HDL and LDL. Reduced “good” HDL-cholesterol or excess “bad” LDL-cholesterol leads to cholesterol accumulation in the arteries, resulting in narrowed or blocked blood vessels.
- Triglycerides – Obtained from the digestion and breakdown of fats in food and making up the majority of fat deposits in the body. Excess triglycerides contribute to obesity and heart disease.
- C-reactive protein (CRP) – A substance produced by the liver that increases during an inflammatory response. Elevated CRP levels can lead to heart disease.
- Lipoprotein(a) – A type of lipoprotein similar to “bad” LDL. It is rich in cholesterol and excess levels increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Genetics of cardiovascular health
Genetic variations can affect your cholesterol (HDL- and LDL-cholesterol), triglycerides, lipoprotein(a), C-reactive protein and cell proliferation. Many genetic variants influence both cholesterol and triglyceride levels, with some variants increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, while others have a protective effect. The following table lists the genes analyzed in the cardiovascular health test, and the effect of variation on cardiovascular health.
| Gene(s) Tested | Effect |
| ANGPTL4, APOA5, FADS1, GALNT2, HNF4A, LIPG, MMAB | Reduced “good” HDL-cholesterol |
| CETP, LCAT, LIPC, LPL | Elevated “good” HDL-cholesterol |
| APOB, FADS1, LDLR, NCAN, PCSK9, SORT1, SUGP1 | Reduced “bad” LDL-cholesterol |
| HMGCR, HNF1A, TRIB1 | Elevated “bad” LDL-cholesterol |
| LPA | Elevated lipoprotein(a) |
| CRP, GCKR | Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) |
| APOA5, FADS1, GALNT2, GCKR, NOS3, TRIB1 | Elevated triglycerides |
| ANGPTL3, LPL, MLXIPL, NCAN | Reduced triglycerides |
| 9p21 | Decreased control of cell proliferation |
Three Easy Steps
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
Click here for more details and to watch our explanatory video.
| Benefits |
|---|
| ✓ Understand the genetic variation affecting your cardiovascular health |
| ✓ Make lifestyle changes today to improve your heart health |
| ✓ Painless buccal (mouth) swab sample collection |
| ✓ All tests are run 2x for absolute accuracy |
| ✓ Quickly collect samples in the privacy of your own home |
| ✓ 24/7 online test status check |
| ✓ Discreet online results option available |
| ✓ No age limit |
| ✓ State-of-the-art accredited testing laboratory |
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