What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Blood Pressure and Hypertension: 9/10 evidence, 35 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Typical Blood Pressure and Lower Hypertension Risk
Inheriting two copies of the A allele is associated with a lower risk of developing high blood pressure and preeclampsia. However, this genotype may slightly increase baseline uric acid and creatinine levels.
What this genotype means: Lower risk of high blood pressure; Reduced risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy; Slightly higher baseline uric acid levels.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/T
Moderately Increased Risk of High Blood Pressure
Carrying one copy of the T allele is linked to a moderate increase in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This genetic variation also slightly elevates the risk of developing preeclampsia during pregnancy.
What this genotype means: Moderately higher risk of hypertension; Slightly increased risk of preeclampsia; Slightly lower baseline uric acid levels.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Higher Risk of High Blood Pressure and Hypertension
Inheriting two copies of the T allele is strongly associated with elevated blood pressure and a higher risk of chronic hypertension. It also significantly increases the likelihood of developing preeclampsia during pregnancy.
What this genotype means: Higher risk of chronic high blood pressure; Increased risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy; Slightly higher hemoglobin levels.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The FGF5 gene encodes fibroblast growth factor 5, a signaling protein involved in cellular proliferation, blood vessel development, and hair growth cycles [1]. In cardiovascular biology, this growth factor plays a critical role in regulating vascular tone and smooth muscle cell activity [2]. Elevated expression of this protein in placental tissues has also been linked to vascular complications during pregnancy [3]. It is highly expressed in various tissues where it coordinates cellular responses to stress and injury [4].
Variant Impact: The rs16998073 variant is an intergenic genetic marker located near the FGF5 gene that influences how actively the gene is transcribed [2]. Carrying the T allele increases transcription factor binding strength, leading to higher expression levels of the growth factor [1]. This increased activity directly impacts blood vessel constriction and systemic blood pressure regulation [5]. Consequently, this single-nucleotide change is one of the most strongly replicated genetic signals for hypertension and pregnancy-related blood pressure spikes [3].
Key Insight: This genetic variant's impact on blood pressure is significantly amplified by high dietary sodium intake, particularly in men.
Location: FGF5. Chromosome 4 · 4q21.21 · 80.3 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 58.2%; European 49.8%; African 78.8%; East Asian 38.4%; South Asian 51.4%; Americas 54.3%; Ashkenazi 59.2%; Finnish 51.8%; Middle Eastern 62.8%; Amish 33.0%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Global 35.3%; European 41.6%; African 20.0%; East Asian 47.1%; South Asian 40.6%; Americas 38.8%; Ashkenazi 35.5%; Finnish 40.3%; Middle Eastern 32.9%; Amish 48.9%.
Estimated AT genotype frequency.
Global 6.5%; European 8.7%; African 1.3%; East Asian 14.5%; South Asian 8.0%; Americas 6.9%; Ashkenazi 5.3%; Finnish 7.8%; Middle Eastern 4.3%; Amish 18.1%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Hypertension
Hypertension. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 30487518. Lower Risk.
Diastolic Blood Pressure. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 19430483. Typical.
Systolic Blood Pressure. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 27841878. Typical.
Gout & Uric Acid
Uric Acid Levels. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30993211. Slightly Higher.
Endocrine & Reproductive
Pregnancy & Birth Complications
Preeclampsia. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 37248299. Lower Risk.
Organ Systems
Kidney Function & Disease
Kidney Function. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 36329257. Slightly Higher.
Showing effects for A/T genotype
Hypertension. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 30487518. Moderately Higher.
Diastolic Blood Pressure. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 19430483. Slightly Higher.
Systolic Blood Pressure. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 27841878. Slightly Higher.
Uric Acid Levels. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30993211. Typical.
Preeclampsia. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 37248299. Slightly Higher.
Kidney Function. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 36329257. Typical.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Hypertension. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 30487518. Higher Risk.
Diastolic Blood Pressure. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 19430483. ~0.5 mmHg Higher.
Systolic Blood Pressure. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 27841878. Higher.
Uric Acid Levels. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30993211. Slightly Lower.
Preeclampsia. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 37248299. ~1.14x Higher Risk.
Kidney Function. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 36329257. Slightly Lower.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Maintaining healthy blood vessels is easier with this genetic profile because it correlates with lower systemic blood pressure [1]. Large-scale genomic studies show that having two A alleles provides a protective effect against developing chronic hypertension [2]. During pregnancy, this genotype is also associated with a significantly lower risk of preeclampsia, a dangerous spike in blood pressure [3]. This protection is thought to stem from lower baseline expression of the nearby growth factor gene [1]. While cardiovascular risks are reduced, this profile is linked to slightly higher levels of serum uric acid, a biomarker for gout [4]. It also correlates with marginally higher creatinine levels, which is a common indicator used to evaluate kidney filtration efficiency [5]. These minor biomarker elevations rarely translate to clinical issues in the absence of other risk factors. Overall, the cardiovascular benefits of this genotype far outweigh these minor biomarker elevations.
Lower risk of high blood pressure; Reduced risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy; Slightly higher baseline uric acid levels.
Sample genotype: AT (Heterozygous)
Elevated vascular resistance is more common in those who inherit one copy of the T allele [1]. This genetic variation increases the expression of a growth factor that influences blood vessel constriction, leading to higher average blood pressure readings [2]. Clinical data indicates a moderately higher susceptibility to developing essential hypertension over time [3]. Expectant mothers with this genotype face a slightly elevated risk of preeclampsia, requiring closer monitoring of blood pressure during pregnancy [4]. This intermediate risk profile means that lifestyle factors play a major role in determining actual cardiovascular outcomes. On the other hand, this profile is associated with slightly lower baseline uric acid levels, which may offer minor protection against gout [5]. It also correlates with marginally lower creatinine levels, suggesting typical kidney filtration markers [6]. Managing dietary sodium and maintaining an active lifestyle can help mitigate the cardiovascular risks associated with this variant. Regular blood pressure screenings are highly recommended to track vascular health over time.
Moderately higher risk of hypertension; Slightly increased risk of preeclampsia; Slightly lower baseline uric acid levels.
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Vascular tension is typically higher in individuals who inherit two copies of the T allele [1]. This genotype is one of the most well-established genetic risk factors for elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure [2]. Having two T alleles significantly increases the odds of developing chronic hypertension, particularly when combined with high dietary sodium intake [3]. Pregnant women with this profile experience a higher rate of preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by sudden high blood pressure [4]. Close prenatal monitoring and early intervention are often recommended for expectant mothers carrying these alleles. Additionally, this genetic makeup is associated with slightly higher red blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels [5]. Conversely, it is linked to lower baseline uric acid and creatinine levels, which are generally favorable for joint and kidney health [6]. Implementing proactive cardiovascular habits, such as reducing salt intake and increasing potassium, is highly effective for managing these genetic risks [3]. Regular exercise and stress management also play a vital role in keeping blood pressure within a healthy range.
Higher risk of chronic high blood pressure; Increased risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy; Slightly higher hemoglobin levels.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs10857147 · FGF5 Gene · Chr 4 · Blood Pressure
rs12509595 · FGF5 Gene · Chr 4 · Blood Pressure Risk
rs1458038 · FGF5 Gene · Chr 4 · Blood Pressure
Interethnic analyses of blood pressure loci in populations of East Asian and European descent.
Genetic Risk Factors Associated With Preeclampsia and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy.
A cross-population atlas of genetic associations for 220 human phenotypes.
Content updated August 2026.
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