What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Hypertension and Heart Risk: 9/10 evidence, 18 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Higher Blood Pressure and Hypertension Risk
Double copies of the C allele are linked to significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Elevated risks of hypertension and coronary artery disease are common with this genetic profile, though response to the medication candesartan is often enhanced.
What this genotype means: Significantly higher blood pressure; Increased risk of hypertension; Better response to candesartan.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/T
Moderately Higher Blood Pressure and Hypertension Risk
A single copy of the C allele is associated with a moderate increase in blood pressure and hypertension risk. This genetic profile also correlates with a favorable response to the blood pressure medication candesartan.
What this genotype means: Moderately higher blood pressure; Slightly increased risk of hypertension; Better response to candesartan.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Typical Blood Pressure and Lower Hypertension Risk
Two copies of the T allele are linked to lower average blood pressure and a reduced risk of hypertension. This genetic profile represents the baseline cardiovascular risk for this marker.
What this genotype means: Typical blood pressure levels; Lower risk of hypertension; Typical response to candesartan.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The KCNK3 gene encodes a potassium channel protein known as TASK-1, which helps regulate the electrical activity of cells [1]. This channel is highly active in the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels and the adrenal glands, where it plays a critical role in maintaining vascular tone and aldosterone secretion [1] [2]. Proper functioning of TASK-1 channels allows potassium ions to leak out of cells, helping to maintain a resting electrical potential that keeps blood vessels relaxed [1]. When these channels are impaired, blood vessels constrict more easily, leading to increased resistance and elevated blood pressure [1] [2]. Consequently, genetic variations in KCNK3 are heavily implicated in primary hypertension and related cardiovascular disorders [2].
Variant Impact: The rs1275988 variant is located upstream of the KCNK3 gene and acts as a key genetic regulator of its expression [1]. Studies show that this variant is strongly associated with variations in mean arterial pressure and overall hypertension risk [1] [2]. The genetic change alters the regulatory landscape, affecting how potassium channels are expressed in vascular tissues [1]. This alteration in channel abundance directly impacts the blood vessels' ability to dilate, contributing to elevated systemic blood pressure [1] [2].
Key Insight: While the C allele increases the risk of high blood pressure, it also makes the body more responsive to certain blood pressure medications like candesartan.
Location: KCNK3. Chromosome 2 · 2p23.3 · 26.7 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 29.9%; European 15.2%; African 62.1%; East Asian 57.3%; South Asian 21.0%; Americas 12.4%; Ashkenazi 16.2%; Finnish 22.3%; Middle Eastern 21.1%; Amish 8.5%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Global 43.3%; European 47.6%; African 33.4%; East Asian 36.8%; South Asian 49.7%; Americas 45.6%; Ashkenazi 48.1%; Finnish 49.8%; Middle Eastern 49.7%; Amish 41.3%.
Estimated CT genotype frequency.
Global 26.8%; European 37.3%; African 4.5%; East Asian 5.9%; South Asian 29.3%; Americas 42.0%; Ashkenazi 35.7%; Finnish 27.8%; Middle Eastern 29.2%; Amish 50.3%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Hypertension
Hypertension. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 30487518. Increased Risk.
Blood Pressure. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 27841878. Higher Pressure.
Heart Disease
Coronary Artery Disease. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 41022758. Increased Risk.
Pharmacogenomics
Cardiovascular Drug Response
Candesartan Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 31327267. Stronger Response.
Showing effects for C/T genotype
Hypertension. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 30487518. Moderate Risk.
Blood Pressure. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 27841878. Moderately Higher.
Coronary Artery Disease. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 41022758. Moderate Risk.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Hypertension. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 30487518. Typical Risk.
Blood Pressure. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 27841878. Typical Pressure.
Coronary Artery Disease. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 41022758. Typical Risk.
Candesartan Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 31327267. Typical Response.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Elevated blood pressure and an increased risk of developing hypertension are key features of this genetic profile [1]. Large-scale genetic studies have consistently linked the C allele to higher systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures [1] [2]. The underlying mechanism involves reduced expression of the KCNK3 potassium channel, which increases vascular resistance and promotes arterial constriction [3]. Over time, this chronic strain on the cardiovascular system elevates the risk of coronary artery disease [4]. Individuals with this genotype are also more likely to require blood pressure-lowering medications, such as diuretics or beta blockers, to manage their levels [5]. However, clinical evidence suggests that this genotype responds exceptionally well to the angiotensin receptor blocker candesartan [6].
Significantly higher blood pressure; Increased risk of hypertension; Better response to candesartan.
Sample genotype: CT (Heterozygous)
An intermediate genetic risk is associated with this profile, which features one copy of the blood pressure-elevating C allele [1]. Individuals with this genotype typically exhibit moderately higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to those with the T/T genotype [1] [2]. The single C allele partially reduces KCNK3 potassium channel expression, leading to mild increases in vascular resistance [3]. While the risk of hypertension and coronary artery disease is elevated, it is generally lower than in individuals with two copies of the C allele [1] [4]. To manage blood pressure, individuals with this genotype are more likely to require antihypertensive therapies [5]. Fortunately, having at least one C allele is associated with an improved therapeutic response to candesartan, making it a highly effective treatment option if medication is needed [6].
Moderately higher blood pressure; Slightly increased risk of hypertension; Better response to candesartan.
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Significant protection against the blood pressure elevations associated with this genetic locus is typical for this profile [1]. Lacking the risk-associated C allele, individuals with this genotype tend to maintain lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure [1] [2]. The KCNK3 potassium channels function at typical levels, promoting healthy blood vessel dilation and normal vascular resistance [3]. Consequently, the risk of developing hypertension and coronary artery disease remains at baseline [1] [4]. This reduced cardiovascular strain translates to a lower likelihood of needing blood pressure medications like diuretics or beta blockers [5]. However, if hypertension does develop due to other factors, individuals with this genotype may show a more typical, less pronounced response to candesartan compared to C allele carriers [6].
Typical blood pressure levels; Lower risk of hypertension; Typical response to candesartan.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs11556924 · ZC3HC1 Gene · Chr 7 · Heart Disease Risk
rs604723 · ARHGAP42 Gene · Chr 11 · Blood Pressure Risk
rs11953630 · EBF1 Gene · Chr 5 · Blood Pressure
KCNK3 Variants Are Associated With Hyperaldosteronism and Hypertension.
Interethnic analyses of blood pressure loci in populations of East Asian and European descent.
Genome-wide association study of medication-use and associated disease in the UK Biobank.
Content updated August 2026.
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