What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
HDL Cholesterol Levels: 10/10 evidence, 24 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Lower HDL Cholesterol Levels
Two copies of the minor allele are associated with a more pronounced reduction in HDL cholesterol.
What this genotype means: Reduced circulating HDL cholesterol; Slightly increased LDL cholesterol.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/T
Slightly Lower HDL Cholesterol Levels
One copy of the minor allele is linked to a slight reduction in HDL cholesterol.
What this genotype means: Slightly reduced circulating HDL cholesterol; Typical to slightly higher LDL cholesterol.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Typical HDL Cholesterol Levels
Typical, healthy levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with this genetic profile.
What this genotype means: Typical circulating HDL cholesterol; Typical LDL cholesterol.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The LIPG gene, which lies close to this genetic region, encodes endothelial lipase, an enzyme that plays a critical role in regulating high-density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism [1]. Endothelial lipase primarily functions to break down phospholipids in HDL particles, which directly influences their clearance from the bloodstream [2]. Variations in this pathway can significantly alter circulating levels of HDL, commonly known as the good cholesterol [3]. Understanding how this enzyme is regulated helps clarify individual differences in lipid profiles and cardiovascular health markers [4].
Variant Impact: The rs2156552 variant is located in an intergenic region downstream of the LIPG gene and acts as a strong regulatory marker for its expression [4]. This genetic change is highly associated with variations in circulating HDL cholesterol levels across multiple diverse populations [5]. The presence of the minor allele alters the expression of endothelial lipase, which subsequently impacts how HDL particles are processed and cleared [1]. Because of its robust replication in large-scale genomic studies, this variant serves as a key indicator of inherited lipid patterns [6].
Key Insight: Although HDL is widely known as the good cholesterol, genetic variations that lower it do not always directly translate to a higher risk of heart disease, as the quality and function of the HDL particles also play a major role.
Location: LIPG. Chromosome 18 · 18q21.1 · 49.7 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 1.8%; European 2.8%; African 0.2%; East Asian 3.2%; South Asian 2.1%; Americas 0.8%; Ashkenazi 0.9%; Finnish 2.7%; Middle Eastern 1.1%; Amish 1.9%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Global 20.7%; European 28.1%; African 7.6%; East Asian 29.5%; South Asian 25.0%; Americas 16.0%; Ashkenazi 16.9%; Finnish 27.4%; Middle Eastern 18.9%; Amish 24.0%.
Estimated AT genotype frequency.
Global 77.4%; European 69.1%; African 92.3%; East Asian 67.3%; South Asian 72.9%; Americas 83.2%; Ashkenazi 82.2%; Finnish 70.0%; Middle Eastern 80.0%; Amish 74.0%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 18193043. Lower HDL.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30698716. Slightly Higher LDL.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Slightly Lower.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Slightly Lower.
Showing effects for A/T genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 18193043. Slightly Lower HDL.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30698716. Typical LDL.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Typical.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Typical.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 18193043. Typical HDL.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Slightly Higher.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 9/10. Source: PMID 35213538. Slightly Higher.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Inheriting two copies of the minor A allele is strongly linked to lower circulating levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol [1]. This genetic profile is relatively rare in most populations and has been consistently associated with reduced HDL across multiple ancestral groups [2]. Lower levels of HDL can limit the body's natural ability to transport cholesterol back to the liver for excretion [3]. Additionally, this genotype is associated with slightly higher levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, compounding the impact on overall lipid ratios [4]. Engaging in regular physical activity and limiting dietary trans fats are highly effective strategies to help optimize lipid profiles for individuals with this genetic background [5].
Reduced circulating HDL cholesterol; Slightly increased LDL cholesterol.
Sample genotype: AT (Heterozygous)
Inheriting one copy of the minor A allele is associated with a modest reduction in circulating high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol [1]. This genetic pattern is common and represents an intermediate state between the typical and lower-range lipid profiles [2]. Because HDL helps clear excess cholesterol from the blood vessels, a slight reduction can subtly alter long-term cardiovascular risk markers [3]. Research indicates that this variant may also be associated with minor shifts in other lipid fractions, such as slightly higher LDL cholesterol [4]. Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle with regular aerobic exercise is often recommended to help support and raise HDL levels naturally [5].
Slightly reduced circulating HDL cholesterol; Typical to slightly higher LDL cholesterol.
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Possessing two copies of the major T allele is associated with maintaining typical levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol [1]. Large-scale genomic analyses show that this profile is protective against the lower HDL levels seen in carriers of the minor allele [2]. While HDL is widely known for transporting cholesterol back to the liver for clearance, having typical levels supports overall cardiovascular health [3]. This genotype is also linked to typical levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol [4]. Individuals with this profile generally respond well to standard dietary and lifestyle measures to maintain healthy blood lipid ratios [5].
Typical circulating HDL cholesterol; Typical LDL cholesterol.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs4939883 · LIPG Gene · Chr 18 · HDL Cholesterol Levels
rs7241918 · LIPG Gene · Chr 18 · HDL Cholesterol Levels
rs77960347 · LIPG Gene · Chr 18 · HDL Cholesterol Levels
Loss-of-function variants in endothelial lipase are a cause of elevated HDL cholesterol in humans.
Metabolic and cardiovascular traits: an abundance of recently identified common genetic variants.
Newly identified loci that influence lipid concentrations and risk of coronary artery disease.
Genetic variants influencing circulating lipid levels and risk of coronary artery disease.
Genetic analyses of diverse populations improves discovery for complex traits.
A large electronic-health-record-based genome-wide study of serum lipids.
Multiancestry Genome-Wide Association Study of Lipid Levels Incorporating Gene-Alcohol Interactions.
Content updated August 2026.
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