What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Blood Pressure and Diuretics: 8/10 evidence, 28 publications.
You're viewing every possible genotype for this variant.
None of these is your result. Use the genotype toggle to compare them, then sign up and upload your DNA to see which one is yours.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Typical Blood Pressure and Diuretic Response
Normal renal sodium handling associated with this genetic profile supports typical blood pressure levels. Standard response to diuretic medications is expected if treatment is needed.
What this genotype means: Typical blood pressure risk; Standard response to diuretic medications.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/T
Increased Hypertension Risk with Better Diuretic Response
Elevated risk of high blood pressure and increased salt sensitivity are associated with this genetic profile. Fortunately, a significantly better response to diuretic medications is also predicted.
What this genotype means: Increased risk of high blood pressure; Enhanced response to thiazide diuretics; Higher sensitivity to dietary salt.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The ADD1 gene encodes alpha-adducin, a cytoskeletal protein that plays a key role in cell membrane structure and ion transport [1]. It is highly expressed in the renal tubules of the kidney, where it helps regulate how the body handles sodium [2]. Variations in this gene can alter sodium reabsorption, directly influencing blood volume and blood pressure [2]. Consequently, ADD1 is a major candidate gene in the study of essential hypertension and cardiovascular health [1].
Variant Impact: The rs4961 variant, also known as Gly460Trp or G460W, is a missense mutation in the ADD1 gene that replaces the amino acid glycine with tryptophan at position 460 [3]. This structural change alters the activity of the sodium-potassium pump in the kidneys, leading to increased renal sodium reabsorption [4]. The resulting retention of sodium and water can elevate blood pressure and increase overall cardiovascular strain [3]. However, this altered sodium handling also makes carriers of the variant allele highly sensitive to therapies that target sodium excretion [4].
Key Insight: Carriers of the T allele have higher salt sensitivity but respond significantly better to common water pills (diuretics).
Location: ADD1. Chromosome 4 · 4p16.3 · 2.9 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 69.7%; European 64.9%; African 84.7%; East Asian 27.4%; South Asian 66.1%; Americas 66.8%; Ashkenazi 72.7%; Finnish 67.8%; Middle Eastern 75.1%; Amish 51.6%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Global 26.9%; European 31.3%; African 14.7%; East Asian 49.9%; South Asian 30.4%; Americas 29.8%; Ashkenazi 25.1%; Finnish 29.1%; Middle Eastern 23.2%; Amish 40.5%.
Estimated GT genotype frequency.
Global 3.4%; European 3.8%; African 0.6%; East Asian 22.7%; South Asian 3.5%; Americas 3.3%; Ashkenazi 2.2%; Finnish 3.1%; Middle Eastern 1.8%; Amish 7.9%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Hypertension
Hypertension. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 9149697. Typical Risk.
Heart Disease
Cardiovascular Risk. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 16043664. Typical Risk.
Pharmacogenomics
Cardiovascular Drug Response
Diuretic Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 11926892. Typical Response.
Showing effects for G/T genotype
Hypertension. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 9149697. ~1.8x Increased Risk.
Cardiovascular Risk. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 16043664. Increased Risk.
Diuretic Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 11926892. Stronger Response.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Two copies of the G allele represent the typical genetic baseline for the ADD1 gene. This genetic profile is associated with normal renal sodium handling and standard blood pressure regulation [1]. Because sodium is processed normally, there is no genetically driven fluid retention or increased blood volume from this locus. While it does not carry the elevated risk of hypertension seen in variant carriers, it also means a standard response to thiazide diuretics [2]. If high blood pressure does develop, alternative classes of antihypertensive medications may be more effective than diuretics [3]. Standard lifestyle interventions, such as general exercise and balanced nutrition, remain the primary recommendations for maintaining cardiovascular health. Regular blood pressure monitoring is still advised as part of routine healthcare. This baseline profile is the most common genotype found globally.
Typical blood pressure risk; Standard response to diuretic medications.
Sample genotype: GT (Heterozygous)
A single copy of the T allele is associated with an approximately 1.8-fold increased risk of developing high blood pressure [1]. This genetic variant increases sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to greater salt sensitivity and fluid retention [2]. The resulting increase in blood volume puts extra physical strain on the blood vessels over time. Despite the elevated risk of hypertension and associated cardiovascular events, carriers of this allele respond exceptionally well to low-dose diuretic therapies [3]. Clinical studies show that using diuretics in T allele carriers can cut the risk of heart attacks or strokes nearly in half compared to other blood pressure drugs [3]. Dietary sodium restriction is also highly effective for lowering blood pressure in individuals with this profile. Understanding this genetic tendency allows for more personalized approaches to cardiovascular wellness. This variant is relatively common, particularly in East Asian populations.
Increased risk of high blood pressure; Enhanced response to thiazide diuretics; Higher sensitivity to dietary salt.
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Two copies of the T allele are associated with an approximately 1.8-fold increased risk of developing high blood pressure [1]. This genetic variant increases sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to greater salt sensitivity and fluid retention [2]. The resulting increase in blood volume puts extra physical strain on the blood vessels over time. Despite the elevated risk of hypertension and associated cardiovascular events, carriers of this allele respond exceptionally well to low-dose diuretic therapies [3]. Clinical studies show that using diuretics in T allele carriers can cut the risk of heart attacks or strokes nearly in half compared to other blood pressure drugs [3]. Dietary sodium restriction is also highly effective for lowering blood pressure in individuals with this profile. Understanding this genetic tendency allows for more personalized approaches to cardiovascular wellness. This variant is relatively common, particularly in East Asian populations.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs1126742 · CYP4A11 Gene · Chr 1 · Blood Pressure Regulation
rs4149601 · NEDD4L Gene · Chr 18 · Salt-Sensitive Blood Pressure
rs5063 · NPPA Gene · Chr 1 · Blood Pressure and Diuretics
Role of the adducin family genes in human essential hypertension.
Alpha-adducin polymorphisms and renal sodium handling in essential hypertensive patients.
Computational study of ADD1 gene polymorphism associated with hypertension.
Adducin polymorphism affects renal proximal tubule reabsorption in hypertension.
ACE and alpha-adducin polymorphism as markers of individual response to diuretic therapy.
Polymorphisms of alpha-adducin and salt sensitivity in patients with essential hypertension.
Content updated August 2026.
ReadYourDNA provides educational interpretation of DNA data you already have. It is not diagnostic, not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to a clinician before acting on any result.
Raw DNA Data Reports for 23andMe & AncestryDNA · About ReadYourDNA · FAQ · Methodology & Science · Pricing · Support and complaints · Legal & Contact · Health Traits · Pharmacogenomics · Carrier Status · Variant Explorer · The Human Karyotype · Privacy Policy · Terms of Service · Accessibility · Consumer Health Data Privacy · Your Privacy Choices · Editorial Standards · Your Data, Checkable · Sample Report · ReadYourDNA and Promethease compared · What is inside a 23andMe raw data file · What is inside an AncestryDNA raw data file · What a chatbot can and cannot do with your raw DNA file · Where a raw DNA file can still be uploaded in 2026
Written, maintained and operated by Martin Pechhacker, sole proprietor, Vienna, Austria. Trade register GISA 40064420. support@readyourdna.com