What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Heart Disease Risk: 8/10 evidence, 32 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Typical Heart Disease Risk
Inheriting two copies of the common allele is associated with typical levels of lipoprotein(a) and a standard baseline risk for cardiovascular events.
What this genotype means: Typical lipoprotein(a) levels; Standard baseline risk for coronary artery disease; No elevated benefit from preventive low-dose aspirin.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Elevated Heart Disease Risk
Presence of two copies of the C allele is linked to higher lipoprotein(a) levels and an increased risk of cardiovascular events.
What this genotype means: Elevated lipoprotein(a) levels; Increased risk of coronary artery disease; Potential for enhanced risk reduction from low-dose aspirin.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/C
Presence of one copy of the C allele is linked to higher lipoprotein(a) levels and an increased risk of cardiovascular events.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The LPA gene encodes apolipoprotein(a), a key component of lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a) particles [1]. These particles are structurally similar to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) but contain an additional protein that resembles plasminogen, a clot-dissolving enzyme [1]. Because of this unique structure, elevated Lp(a) levels can promote both arterial plaque buildup and blood clotting [2]. Genetics plays an exceptionally strong role in determining Lp(a) levels, accounting for over 70% to 90% of the variation in blood concentrations [1]. Understanding your LPA genetic profile can help guide personalized cardiovascular prevention strategies.
Variant Impact: The rs3798220 variant is a missense mutation in the LPA gene that causes an amino acid change from isoleucine to methionine at position 1891 (p.Ile1891Met). This specific molecular change alters the structure of the protease-like domain of apolipoprotein(a) [3]. This alteration is strongly associated with significantly elevated circulating levels of lipoprotein(a) in the blood [1]. Consequently, carriers of this variant have a higher risk of developing severe coronary artery disease and experiencing major cardiovascular events [1]. Clinical studies suggest that this genetic risk may be uniquely responsive to low-dose aspirin therapy [1].
Key Insight: Carrying the C allele can double your risk of cardiovascular events, but clinical trials suggest that low-dose aspirin may specifically help lower this risk in carriers.
Location: LPA. Chromosome 6 · 6q25.3 · 160.5 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 93.9%; European 96.5%; African 98.3%; East Asian 82.2%; South Asian 99.0%; Americas 68.4%; Ashkenazi 99.7%; Finnish 98.1%; Middle Eastern 99.3%; Amish 97.4%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Global 5.7%; European 3.4%; African 1.7%; East Asian 17.0%; South Asian 1.0%; Americas 28.6%; Ashkenazi 0.3%; Finnish 1.8%; Middle Eastern 0.7%; Amish 2.6%.
Estimated TC genotype frequency.
Global 0.4%; European < 0.1%; African < 0.1%; East Asian 0.9%; South Asian < 0.1%; Americas 3.0%; Ashkenazi < 0.1%; Finnish < 0.1%; Middle Eastern < 0.1%; Amish < 0.1%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Heart Disease
Heart Disease. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 21378990. Typical Risk.
Lipids & Cholesterol
Lipoprotein(a) Levels. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Typical Levels.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Typical Levels.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Typical Levels.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Slightly Higher.
Pharmacogenomics
Adverse Drug Reactions
Aspirin Benefit. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 18775538. Typical Benefit.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Heart Disease. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 21378990. ~2-3x Higher Risk.
Lipoprotein(a) Levels. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Elevated Levels.
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Slightly Higher.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Slightly Higher.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Slightly Lower.
Aspirin Benefit. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 18775538. Enhanced Benefit.
Showing effects for T/C genotype
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 33462484. Typical Levels.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
The T/T genotype represents the common, reference profile at this position in the LPA gene. This genetic makeup is associated with typical, baseline levels of lipoprotein(a) in the bloodstream [1]. Large-scale genetic studies have shown that individuals with this profile do not have the elevated risk of coronary artery disease associated with the C variant [2]. Because your baseline risk is typical, clinical trials suggest that taking daily low-dose aspirin for primary prevention does not provide a significant cardiovascular benefit [1]. In fact, unnecessary aspirin use may carry avoidable risks such as internal bleeding. Standard heart-healthy habits remain the most effective ways to support your cardiovascular system. These habits include maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and managing blood pressure. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help you establish a personalized wellness plan.
Typical lipoprotein(a) levels; Standard baseline risk for coronary artery disease; No elevated benefit from preventive low-dose aspirin.
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
The C/C genotype is associated with significantly elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) in the blood [1]. This lipid particle is highly structurally similar to low-density lipoprotein but has unique properties that promote blood clotting and arterial plaque buildup [2]. Clinical trials, including the Women's Health Study, have reported that carriers of this variant who do not take aspirin have approximately double the risk of major cardiovascular events compared to non-carriers [1]. Interestingly, the same research demonstrated that low-dose aspirin therapy reduced this cardiovascular risk by more than half in C allele carriers, bringing their risk profile closer to baseline [1]. Aspirin therapy carries its own risks, such as internal bleeding. Lifestyle modifications like a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise remain foundational for cardiovascular health.
Elevated lipoprotein(a) levels; Increased risk of coronary artery disease; Potential for enhanced risk reduction from low-dose aspirin.
Sample genotype: TC (Heterozygous)
The T/C genotype is associated with significantly elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) in the blood [1]. This lipid particle is highly structurally similar to low-density lipoprotein but has unique properties that promote blood clotting and arterial plaque buildup [2]. Clinical trials, including the Women's Health Study, have reported that carriers of this variant who do not take aspirin have approximately double the risk of major cardiovascular events compared to non-carriers [1]. Interestingly, the same research demonstrated that low-dose aspirin therapy reduced this cardiovascular risk by more than half in C allele carriers, bringing their risk profile closer to baseline [1]. Aspirin therapy carries its own risks, such as internal bleeding. Lifestyle modifications like a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise remain foundational for cardiovascular health.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs10455872 · LPA Gene · Chr 6 · Heart Disease Risk
rs140570886 · LPA Gene · Chr 6 · Heart Disease Risk
rs55730499 · LPA Gene · Chr 6 · Heart Disease Risk
Large-scale association analysis identifies 13 new susceptibility loci for coronary artery disease.
Content updated August 2026.
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