What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Triglyceride Levels: 10/10 evidence, 45 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): C/C
Significantly Higher Triglycerides and Heart Risk
The C/C genotype is linked to reduced apolipoprotein A5 expression. This slows the clearance of circulating fats, leading to elevated triglycerides and higher cardiovascular risk.
What this genotype means: Significantly elevated triglycerides; Increased risk of coronary artery disease; Lower HDL cholesterol levels.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/T
Moderately Higher Triglycerides and Heart Risk
The C/T genotype is associated with a moderate reduction in apolipoprotein A5 expression. This can lead to slightly elevated triglyceride levels and a mild increase in cardiovascular risk.
What this genotype means: Moderately elevated triglycerides; Slightly increased risk of metabolic syndrome; Slightly lower HDL cholesterol.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Typical Triglyceride Clearance and Heart Risk
The T/T genotype is associated with typical apolipoprotein A5 expression. This supports efficient clearance of circulating fats and a standard cardiovascular risk profile.
What this genotype means: Typical triglyceride clearance; Standard risk of coronary artery disease; Normal HDL cholesterol levels.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: APOA5 encodes apolipoprotein A5, a protein that plays a critical role in regulating plasma triglyceride levels [1]. It is primarily synthesized in the liver and associates with lipoprotein particles like VLDL and HDL [2]. Apolipoprotein A5 acts as a potent activator of lipoprotein lipase, the primary enzyme responsible for breaking down circulating triglycerides [1]. Reduced expression or activity of this protein impairs enzyme activation, leading to delayed clearance of triglyceride-rich particles from the bloodstream [1]. Consequently, variations in this gene are major genetic determinants of plasma lipid profiles and cardiovascular risk [2].
Variant Impact: The rs651821 variant is located in the 5 prime untranslated region of the APOA5 gene, where it influences gene expression levels [1]. The minor C allele is associated with significantly reduced expression of apolipoprotein A5, which in turn impairs the breakdown of circulating fats [1]. This reduction in protein levels leads to elevated plasma triglycerides and a more atherogenic lipid profile [2]. Conversely, the major T allele is linked to typical gene expression and efficient lipid clearance [2].
Key Insight: The minor C allele can reduce apolipoprotein A5 expression, leading to a multi-fold increase in triglyceride levels and significantly higher cardiovascular risk.
Location: APOA5. Chromosome 11 · 11q23.3 · 116.8 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 1.5%; European 0.4%; African 2.3%; East Asian 9.0%; South Asian 3.6%; Americas 1.9%; Ashkenazi 1.1%; Finnish 0.6%; Middle Eastern 1.3%; Amish 0.4%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Global 19.1%; European 12.3%; African 25.7%; East Asian 42.1%; South Asian 30.7%; Americas 23.5%; Ashkenazi 18.5%; Finnish 14.7%; Middle Eastern 20.4%; Amish 12.5%.
Estimated CT genotype frequency.
Global 79.4%; European 87.3%; African 72.0%; East Asian 48.9%; South Asian 65.8%; Americas 74.6%; Ashkenazi 80.4%; Finnish 84.7%; Middle Eastern 78.2%; Amish 87.1%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29866721. Elevated Levels.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Lower Levels.
Dyslipidemia. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 36419087. 1.47x Risk.
Metabolic Syndrome & Insulin Resistance
Metabolic Syndrome. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 28371326. Increased Risk.
Heart Disease
Coronary Artery Disease. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 29212778. Increased Risk.
Showing effects for C/T genotype
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29866721. Moderately Elevated.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Slightly Lower.
Dyslipidemia. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 36419087. Slightly Increased.
Metabolic Syndrome. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 28371326. Slightly Increased.
Coronary Artery Disease. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 29212778. Slightly Increased.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
Triglycerides. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29866721. Typical Levels.
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Typical Levels.
Dyslipidemia. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 36419087. Typical Risk.
Metabolic Syndrome. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 28371326. Typical Risk.
Coronary Artery Disease. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 29212778. Typical Risk.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
The C/C genotype is strongly associated with elevated fasting and post-meal triglyceride levels [1]. Apolipoprotein A5 is essential for activating lipoprotein lipase, the enzyme that clears fats from the blood [1]. With two copies of the C allele, reduced protein levels impair this clearance process, causing triglycerides to accumulate [1]. This accumulation is a well-documented risk factor for coronary artery disease and dyslipidemia [2]. Additionally, lower levels of protective HDL cholesterol are frequently observed with this profile [2]. Managing dietary fat and reducing refined carbohydrates are particularly important lifestyle strategies [1]. Regular cardiovascular monitoring can help track lipid levels over time [2].
Significantly elevated triglycerides; Increased risk of coronary artery disease; Lower HDL cholesterol levels.
Sample genotype: CT (Heterozygous)
The presence of a single C allele typically results in intermediate levels of apolipoprotein A5 expression [1]. While not as pronounced as in the double-copy genotype, this partial reduction can still slow the clearance of circulating fats [1]. As a result, triglyceride levels are often moderately higher compared to the baseline profile [1]. This elevation is associated with a modest increase in the risk of developing metabolic syndrome and dyslipidemia [2]. Maintaining a lifestyle low in simple sugars and high in physical activity can help mitigate these genetic tendencies [1]. Regular lipid panels are useful for monitoring cardiovascular health [2]. Standard clinical guidelines suggest tracking these markers to optimize metabolic wellness [1].
Moderately elevated triglycerides; Slightly increased risk of metabolic syndrome; Slightly lower HDL cholesterol.
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
The T/T genotype is the most common genetic profile globally and represents the baseline for lipid metabolism [1]. Typical levels of apolipoprotein A5 are produced, which efficiently activates lipoprotein lipase [1]. This allows for the normal breakdown and clearance of triglycerides from the bloodstream after meals [1]. Consequently, typical triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels are generally maintained [2]. There is no genetically elevated risk for coronary artery disease or metabolic syndrome associated with this locus [2]. Standard healthy lifestyle practices remain highly effective for maintaining cardiovascular wellness [1]. No additional genetic monitoring is typically recommended for this specific marker [2].
Typical triglyceride clearance; Standard risk of coronary artery disease; Normal HDL cholesterol levels.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs2266788 · APOA5 Gene · Chr 11 · Triglyceride Levels
rs3135506 · APOA5 Gene · Chr 11 · Triglyceride and Lipid Levels
rs662799 · APOA5 Gene · Chr 11 · Triglyceride Levels
Triglyceride-mediated pathways and coronary disease: collaborative analysis of 101 studies.
Content updated August 2026.
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