What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Cholesterol and Heart Risk: 10/10 evidence, 17 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Typical Cholesterol and Heart Risk
Two copies of the common G allele are associated with typical baseline levels of cholesterol and average cardiovascular risk. There is no elevated or reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease associated with this specific marker.
What this genotype means: Typical baseline cholesterol levels; Standard response to statin therapy; Average cardiovascular and neurological risk.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Lowest Cholesterol and Lower Alzheimer's Risk
Two copies of the rare A allele are strongly associated with the lowest levels of LDL cholesterol and a significantly reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. It also predicts an optimal response to statin therapy.
What this genotype means: Lowest baseline LDL and total cholesterol; Significantly reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease; Optimal reduction in cholesterol from statins.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/A
Lower Cholesterol and Reduced Heart Risk
One copy of the protective A allele is linked to lower LDL cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. It also suggests a stronger response to statin medications if prescribed.
What this genotype means: Lower LDL and total cholesterol; Enhanced response to statin medications; Reduced risk of arterial plaque buildup.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The APOC1 gene encodes apolipoprotein C-I, a key component of lipoprotein particles like HDL and VLDL. It plays a critical role in lipid metabolism by inhibiting cholesteryl ester transfer protein and modulating receptor-mediated lipoprotein clearance. APOC1 is located in a gene cluster on chromosome 19 that also contains the APOE gene, which is highly linked to cardiovascular and brain health. Because of this close physical proximity, genetic variations in APOC1 are often inherited alongside specific APOE variants. This makes APOC1 a powerful marker for both lipid levels and neurological risk profiles.
Variant Impact: Located near the APOC1 and APOE genes, rs445925 is an upstream transcript variant. The minor A allele of this variant is in strong linkage disequilibrium with the protective ApoE2 isoform. This genetic link means that carrying the A allele is highly correlated with lower levels of LDL and total cholesterol. Additionally, the A allele is associated with a significantly enhanced response to cholesterol-lowering statin medications. Conversely, the major G allele is linked to higher circulating cholesterol levels and an increased risk of arterial plaque buildup.
Key Insight: This variant acts as a highly reliable proxy for the protective ApoE2 allele, which is famous for lowering both cholesterol and Alzheimer's risk.
Location: APOC1. Chromosome 19 · 19q13.32 · 44.9 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 73.8%; European 79.8%; African 51.8%; East Asian 81.9%; South Asian 87.6%; Americas 86.0%; Ashkenazi 81.0%; Finnish 87.9%; Middle Eastern 85.0%; Amish 97.4%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Global 23.4%; European 19.0%; African 40.3%; East Asian 17.2%; South Asian 12.0%; Americas 13.5%; Ashkenazi 18.0%; Finnish 11.7%; Middle Eastern 14.4%; Amish 2.6%.
Estimated GA genotype frequency.
Global 2.8%; European 1.1%; African 7.8%; East Asian 0.9%; South Asian 0.4%; Americas 0.5%; Ashkenazi 1.0%; Finnish 0.4%; Middle Eastern 0.6%; Amish < 0.1%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 35945198. Typical Levels.
Vascular Health & Aneurysm
Atherosclerosis. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 21909108. Typical Risk.
Neurology & Mental Health
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Alzheimer's Disease. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 21977987. Typical Risk.
Pharmacogenomics
Lipid-Lowering Drug Response
Statin Response. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 25350695. Typical Response.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 35945198. Lowest Levels.
Atherosclerosis. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 21909108. Lowest Risk.
Alzheimer's Disease. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 21977987. Lowest Risk.
Statin Response. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 25350695. Optimal Response.
Showing effects for G/A genotype
LDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 35945198. Lower Levels.
Atherosclerosis. Evidence: 4/10. Source: PMID 21909108. Lower Risk.
Alzheimer's Disease. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 21977987. Reduced Risk.
Statin Response. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 25350695. Enhanced Response.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Representing the most common genetic profile globally, the G/G genotype occurs in approximately 85% of the population. Baseline levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol tend to be typical. Lacking the protective ApoE2-linked A allele, this profile is associated with a standard baseline risk for developing atherosclerosis and arterial plaque buildup. Clinical trials indicate that standard, average reductions in LDL cholesterol are achieved when taking statin medications. From a neurological standpoint, there is no reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease compared to carriers of the rare A allele. Overall, this profile serves as the standard reference point for both lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health.
Typical baseline cholesterol levels; Standard response to statin therapy; Average cardiovascular and neurological risk.
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Occurring relatively rarely in the population, the A/A genotype serves as a strong proxy for the protective ApoE2/E2 status. Baseline levels of LDL and total cholesterol are typically at their lowest, which provides substantial protection against cardiovascular disease. This profile is linked to a significantly lower risk of developing atherosclerosis and carotid artery plaque. In the event of high cholesterol, a highly robust response to statin therapy is common, experiencing a more pronounced drop in LDL levels compared to other genotypes. Neurologically, this genotype is associated with the lowest genetic risk for late-onset Alzheimer's disease. However, some studies note a slight tendency toward higher triglycerides in certain lipoprotein fractions, though the overall cardiovascular profile remains highly favorable.
Lowest baseline LDL and total cholesterol; Significantly reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease; Optimal reduction in cholesterol from statins.
Sample genotype: GA (Heterozygous)
Presence of a single protective A allele is highly correlated with the beneficial ApoE2 genetic variant. Having this single copy is associated with significantly lower circulating levels of both LDL and total cholesterol. This lipid-lowering effect translates to a reduced risk of developing atherosclerosis and arterial plaque accumulation. Furthermore, clinical studies have shown a more robust response to HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins), achieving a greater percentage reduction in LDL cholesterol. The presence of this allele also correlates with a lower overall risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease compared to the common genotype. This profile offers a favorable balance of cardiovascular and cognitive health markers.
Lower LDL and total cholesterol; Enhanced response to statin medications; Reduced risk of arterial plaque buildup.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs438811 · APOC1 Gene · Chr 19 · Alzheimer and Lipid Risk
rs4420638 · APOC1 Gene · Chr 19 · Alzheimer and Heart Risk
rs56131196 · APOC1 Gene · Chr 19 · Alzheimer and Heart Risk
Content updated August 2026.
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