What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Heart Disease Risk: 8/10 evidence, 25 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Higher Heart Disease and Triglyceride Risk
Carrying two copies of the C allele is associated with lower levels of lipoprotein lipase, leading to slower clearance of fats from the blood. This results in elevated triglycerides and lower HDL cholesterol, which can increase overall cardiovascular risk.
What this genotype means: Elevated blood triglycerides; Lower HDL cholesterol; Increased risk of coronary artery disease.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/T
Typical Lipid Levels and Heart Risk
Carrying one copy of each allele generally results in intermediate lipoprotein lipase activity. This typically translates to average triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels, representing a standard cardiovascular risk profile.
What this genotype means: Typical blood triglyceride levels; Average HDL cholesterol levels; Standard cardiovascular risk profile.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Lower Heart Disease and Triglyceride Risk
Carrying two copies of the T allele is associated with higher lipoprotein lipase levels, promoting efficient clearance of fats from the bloodstream. This leads to lower triglycerides, higher HDL cholesterol, and a reduced risk of heart disease.
What this genotype means: Lower blood triglycerides; Higher HDL cholesterol; Reduced risk of coronary artery disease.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is a critical enzyme responsible for breaking down circulating fats, particularly triglycerides, in the bloodstream [1]. By hydrolyzing these lipids, LPL provides essential fatty acids to tissues like muscle for energy and adipose tissue for storage [1]. Proper LPL function is vital for maintaining healthy blood lipid profiles and preventing the accumulation of artery-clogging fats [2]. Variations in the LPL gene can significantly alter enzyme activity, directly influencing a person's risk for cardiovascular and metabolic conditions [2].
Variant Impact: The rs15285 variant is located in the 3' untranslated region of the LPL gene, a region that regulates gene expression and mRNA stability. This genetic change directly influences the amount of lipoprotein lipase enzyme produced and released into the bloodstream [1]. The C allele is associated with reduced LPL levels, leading to less efficient clearance of triglycerides from circulation [1]. Conversely, the T allele enhances LPL expression, promoting more rapid breakdown of fats and supporting healthier cholesterol transport [3].
Key Insight: This variant acts as a genetic regulator of lipoprotein lipase levels, directly dictating how quickly your body clears dietary fats from your bloodstream after a meal.
Location: LPL. Chromosome 8 · 8p21.3 · 20.0 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 43.3%; European 50.1%; African 23.9%; East Asian 63.6%; South Asian 57.4%; Americas 49.3%; Ashkenazi 31.8%; Finnish 55.1%; Middle Eastern 41.9%; Amish 31.4%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Global 43.4%; European 41.3%; African 50.0%; East Asian 32.3%; South Asian 36.8%; Americas 41.8%; Ashkenazi 49.2%; Finnish 38.2%; Middle Eastern 45.7%; Amish 49.3%.
Estimated CT genotype frequency.
Global 13.4%; European 8.5%; African 26.1%; East Asian 4.1%; South Asian 5.9%; Americas 8.9%; Ashkenazi 19.0%; Finnish 6.6%; Middle Eastern 12.4%; Amish 19.3%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Heart Disease
Heart Disease. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29212778. Increased Risk.
Lipids & Cholesterol
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 21386085. Elevated Levels.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 28270201. Lower Levels.
Obesity & Body Composition
Body Fat Distribution. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30239722. Higher Ratio.
Showing effects for C/T genotype
Heart Disease. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29212778. Typical Risk.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 21386085. Typical Levels.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 28270201. Typical Levels.
Body Fat Distribution. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30239722. Typical Ratio.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Heart Disease. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 29212778. Lower Risk.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 21386085. Lower Levels.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 28270201. Higher Levels.
Body Fat Distribution. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30239722. Lower Ratio.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Having the C/C genotype is linked to a less efficient lipid clearance system due to reduced expression of the lipoprotein lipase enzyme [1]. Large-scale genetic studies show that individuals with this genotype tend to have higher circulating triglyceride levels and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol [2]. This specific lipid profile—high triglycerides combined with low HDL—is a well-known risk factor for plaque buildup in the arteries [3]. Consequently, this genotype is associated with an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease [4]. Additionally, research suggests a link to a higher waist-to-hip ratio, indicating a tendency toward abdominal fat storage [5]. Maintaining a heart-healthy diet and engaging in regular aerobic exercise can help support optimal lipid metabolism and mitigate these genetic risks.
Elevated blood triglycerides; Lower HDL cholesterol; Increased risk of coronary artery disease.
Sample genotype: CT (Heterozygous)
Having the C/T genotype means possessing one protective T allele and one risk-associated C allele, resulting in balanced, typical lipoprotein lipase activity. This intermediate enzyme level generally maintains blood lipids within the average range for the population [1]. Studies indicate that individuals with this genotype do not experience the highly elevated triglycerides or severely reduced HDL cholesterol seen in C/C carriers [2]. Similarly, the risk of developing coronary artery disease remains at a typical baseline level [3]. While this genotype does not provide the enhanced cardiovascular protection of the T/T genotype, it also avoids the heightened risks associated with the C/C genotype. Standard lifestyle practices, such as a balanced diet and regular physical activity, are usually sufficient to support healthy lipid levels.
Typical blood triglyceride levels; Average HDL cholesterol levels; Standard cardiovascular risk profile.
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Having the T/T genotype is highly beneficial for cardiovascular health due to increased expression of the lipoprotein lipase enzyme [1]. This enhanced enzyme activity allows the body to rapidly break down circulating fats, resulting in significantly lower triglyceride levels [2]. At the same time, this genotype is strongly associated with higher levels of protective HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1 [3]. Together, these factors create a highly favorable lipid profile that helps prevent the accumulation of arterial plaque. As a result, individuals with the T/T genotype have a reduced risk of developing coronary artery disease [4]. They also tend to have a lower waist-to-hip ratio, reflecting a healthier body fat distribution [5].
Lower blood triglycerides; Higher HDL cholesterol; Reduced risk of coronary artery disease.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs10096633 · LPL Gene · Chr 8 · Triglycerides and Heart Health
rs115849089 · LPL Gene · Chr 8 · Triglyceride Levels
rs12678919 · LPL Gene · Chr 8 · Cholesterol and Lipids
Polygenic Hyperlipidemias and Coronary Artery Disease Risk.
A large electronic-health-record-based genome-wide study of serum lipids.
Content updated August 2026.
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