Many genetic and environmental conditions contribute to cardiovascular disease and one major genetic risk factor is the APOE gene. The APOE gene encodes Apolipoprotein E (ApoE), a protein involved in the production, delivery, and utilization of cholesterol in the body. There are several different versions or alleles of the APOE gene, and the three most common alleles are known as e2, e3 and e4. Each of these alleles produce a slightly different version of the ApoE protein.
- e3: The most common allele worldwide and is viewed as the neutral allele, with 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
What are cardiovascular diseases?
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) include heart attack and stroke, and 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 and is associated with an early onset of peripheral vascular disease and CVD.
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
Four Easy Steps
Step 1: Order text kit online
Step 2: Collect DNA sample using a simple and painless mouth swab
Step 3: Mail samples to the lab in the provided return envelope
Step 4: Receive your results online
