What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
HDL Cholesterol Levels: 10/10 evidence, 17 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Optimal HDL Cholesterol and Lower Cardiovascular Risk
Having two copies of the common G allele is associated with higher levels of good HDL cholesterol. This genotype also helps maintain lower triglyceride levels, supporting overall heart health.
What this genotype means: Higher HDL cholesterol levels; Lower triglyceride levels; Typical cardiovascular risk profile.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Reduced HDL Cholesterol and Higher Heart Risk
Carrying two copies of the minor C allele is associated with significantly lower good HDL cholesterol. This genotype is also linked to higher triglycerides and an increased risk of cardiovascular issues.
What this genotype means: Lower HDL cholesterol levels; Elevated triglyceride levels; Increased cardiovascular risk.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/C
Lower HDL Cholesterol and Slightly Higher Heart Risk
Carrying one copy of the minor C allele is linked to reduced levels of good HDL cholesterol. It is also associated with slightly elevated triglycerides and a modest increase in cardiovascular risk.
What this genotype means: Slightly lower HDL cholesterol; Slightly higher triglycerides; Modestly increased cardiovascular risk.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The CETP gene encodes the cholesteryl ester transfer protein, which plays a central role in lipid metabolism [1]. It facilitates the exchange of cholesteryl esters from high-density lipoproteins (HDL) to very-low-density and low-density lipoproteins (VLDL/LDL) in exchange for triglycerides [1]. This process naturally lowers circulating levels of good HDL cholesterol [1]. Genetic variations that alter CETP activity can significantly impact a person's lipid profile and cardiovascular risk [2].
Variant Impact: The rs5880 variant is a missense mutation in the CETP gene that results in an amino acid substitution from alanine to proline at position 390 (p.Ala390Pro) [3]. This structural change is located near the protein's lipid-binding pocket, potentially altering its transfer activity [2]. The major G allele is associated with higher levels of HDL cholesterol and total cholesterol [4]. Conversely, the minor C allele is linked to lower HDL cholesterol and elevated triglycerides [4].
Key Insight: The minor C allele of this variant is linked to both lower good HDL cholesterol and higher triglycerides, which can influence overall cardiovascular risk.
Location: CETP. Chromosome 16 · 16q13 · 57.0 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 92.6%; European 90.2%; African 97.8%; East Asian 98.5%; South Asian 86.2%; Americas 85.7%; Ashkenazi 96.9%; Finnish 96.1%; Middle Eastern 96.0%; Amish 95.4%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Global 7.2%; European 9.5%; African 2.2%; East Asian 1.5%; South Asian 13.3%; Americas 13.8%; Ashkenazi 3.1%; Finnish 3.8%; Middle Eastern 4.0%; Amish 4.5%.
Estimated GC genotype frequency.
Global 0.2%; European 0.3%; African < 0.1%; East Asian < 0.1%; South Asian 0.5%; Americas 0.6%; Ashkenazi < 0.1%; Finnish < 0.1%; Middle Eastern < 0.1%; Amish 0.1%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 24886709. Higher Levels.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Lower Levels.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Higher Levels.
Heart Disease
Heart Disease. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 20031564. Typical Risk.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 24886709. Lower Levels.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Higher Levels.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Lower Levels.
Heart Disease. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 20031564. Increased Risk.
Showing effects for G/C genotype
Heart Disease. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 20031564. Slightly Higher Risk.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
This genotype represents the most common genetic baseline for the CETP gene. Carrying two copies of the G allele is strongly associated with higher circulating levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often referred to as the good cholesterol [1]. This effect is driven by typical CETP protein function, which maintains a healthy balance of lipid exchange between lipoproteins [2]. In addition to favorable HDL levels, individuals with this genotype tend to have lower circulating triglycerides [3]. Together, these lipid characteristics contribute to a lower overall risk of developing coronary artery disease and venous thromboembolism compared to carriers of the minor C allele [4] [5].
Higher HDL cholesterol levels; Lower triglyceride levels; Typical cardiovascular risk profile.
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Carrying two copies of the minor C allele leads to a more pronounced reduction in good HDL cholesterol levels [1]. This genotype is also associated with elevated circulating triglycerides, creating a less optimal lipid profile [2]. The combination of low HDL and high triglycerides is a well-known risk factor for plaque buildup in the arteries [3]. Consequently, individuals with this genotype may face an increased susceptibility to coronary artery disease, particularly when other risk factors like obesity are present [4]. There is also an association with an increased risk of venous blood clots, especially in men [5]. Proactive cardiovascular screening and lipid monitoring are highly recommended for individuals with this genetic profile.
Lower HDL cholesterol levels; Elevated triglyceride levels; Increased cardiovascular risk.
Sample genotype: GC (Heterozygous)
Carrying one copy of the minor C allele alters the structure of the cholesteryl ester transfer protein [1]. This alteration is associated with a reduction in circulating HDL cholesterol levels, which can impact the body's ability to clear excess cholesterol from blood vessels [2]. Individuals with this genotype also tend to exhibit higher levels of triglycerides [3]. These combined lipid changes can lead to a slightly less favorable cardiovascular profile [4]. Some studies have also noted a modest increase in the risk of venous thromboembolism among male carriers of this variant [5]. Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and a balanced diet can help mitigate these genetic tendencies.
Slightly lower HDL cholesterol; Slightly higher triglycerides; Modestly increased cardiovascular risk.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs12720922 · CETP Gene · Chr 16 · Cholesterol and Heart Health
rs1532624 · CETP Gene · Chr 16 · Lipid Levels and Statins
rs17231506 · CETP Gene · Chr 16 · Cardiovascular Health
The influence of rare variants in circulating metabolic biomarkers.
A large electronic-health-record-based genome-wide study of serum lipids.
Content updated August 2026.
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