What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
HDL Cholesterol Levels: 10/10 evidence, 21 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): C/C
Higher HDL Cholesterol and Lower Cardiovascular Risk
Two copies of the C allele are linked to significantly higher levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol. This lipid profile is generally associated with a more favorable cardiovascular outlook.
What this genotype means: Significantly higher HDL cholesterol levels; Lower overall cardiovascular risk profile.
Sample genotype (not yours): C/T
Typical HDL Cholesterol and Moderate Cardiovascular Risk
Carrying one copy of the T allele typically results in intermediate HDL cholesterol levels. This balanced profile represents a standard baseline for cardiovascular health.
What this genotype means: Typical HDL cholesterol levels; Standard baseline cardiovascular risk.
Sample genotype (not yours): T/T
Lower HDL Cholesterol and Higher Cardiovascular Risk
Two copies of the T allele are associated with reduced levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol. This lipid pattern is linked to an elevated risk of cardiovascular issues.
What this genotype means: Lower circulating HDL cholesterol levels; Increased risk of coronary atherosclerosis.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The CETP gene encodes cholesteryl ester transfer protein, which plays a central role in lipid metabolism [1]. This protein facilitates the exchange of cholesteryl esters from high-density lipoprotein (HDL) to other lipoproteins like VLDL and LDL [1]. By regulating this transfer, CETP directly influences circulating levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol and other blood lipids [1]. Variations in this gene can alter the rate of lipid transfer, significantly impacting long-term cardiovascular health [2].
Variant Impact: The rs7499892 variant is located within an intron of the CETP gene on chromosome 16. This genetic change acts as a key marker for variations in cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity. The C allele is strongly associated with increased levels of HDL cholesterol [3]. Conversely, the T allele is linked to reduced HDL levels and altered lipid profiles [3]. These changes in lipid composition directly influence overall cardiovascular risk profiles [1].
Key Insight: This variant acts like a natural regulator of lipid transfer, directly influencing how efficiently your body maintains high-density lipoprotein levels.
Location: CETP. Chromosome 16 · 16q13 · 57.0 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 58.9%; European 67.2%; African 38.8%; East Asian 69.6%; South Asian 60.5%; Americas 59.7%; Ashkenazi 71.1%; Finnish 70.0%; Middle Eastern 68.9%; Amish 91.4%.
Estimated CC genotype frequency.
Global 34.7%; European 29.5%; African 47.0%; East Asian 27.7%; South Asian 34.6%; Americas 35.1%; Ashkenazi 26.5%; Finnish 27.4%; Middle Eastern 28.2%; Amish 8.4%.
Estimated CT genotype frequency.
Global 6.4%; European 3.2%; African 14.2%; East Asian 2.7%; South Asian 4.9%; Americas 5.2%; Ashkenazi 2.5%; Finnish 2.7%; Middle Eastern 2.9%; Amish 0.2%.
Estimated TT genotype frequency.
Showing effects for C/C genotype
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. ~0.48 mmol/L Higher.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. ~0.48 mmol/L Higher.
Heart Disease
Cardiovascular Risk. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 20031564. Lower Risk.
Showing effects for C/T genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. ~0.24 mmol/L Higher.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. ~0.24 mmol/L Higher.
Cardiovascular Risk. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 20031564. Typical Risk.
Showing effects for T/T genotype
HDL Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Typical.
Total Cholesterol. Evidence: 10/10. Source: PMID 29507422. Typical.
Cardiovascular Risk. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 20031564. Increased Risk.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: CC (Homozygous)
Inheriting two copies of the C allele is associated with the highest levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol at this locus [1]. This increase in beneficial cholesterol is driven by altered cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity, which keeps more protective lipids in circulation [1]. Large-scale genetic studies consistently link this specific lipid profile to a lower risk of future cardiovascular events [2]. While total cholesterol may also measure slightly higher, the overall balance of lipids remains highly favorable [1]. Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle can further support these natural genetic advantages.
Significantly higher HDL cholesterol levels; Lower overall cardiovascular risk profile.
Sample genotype: CT (Heterozygous)
Carrying one copy of each allele results in intermediate cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity and typical lipid levels [1]. HDL cholesterol levels generally fall within the average range for the population, providing standard vascular protection [1]. Cardiovascular risk profiles associated with this genotype are considered moderate and baseline [2]. Because this genotype represents a middle ground, lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking play a primary role in determining overall heart health. Regular lipid panels can help track how these lifestyle choices interact with your genetic baseline.
Typical HDL cholesterol levels; Standard baseline cardiovascular risk.
Sample genotype: TT (Homozygous)
Inheriting two copies of the T allele is associated with lower levels of protective HDL cholesterol [1]. This reduction occurs because cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity is optimized in a way that clears beneficial lipids more rapidly from the bloodstream [1]. Consequently, this lipid profile is linked to an increased risk of coronary atherosclerosis and future myocardial infarction [2]. Total cholesterol levels may appear lower, but the ratio of protective to non-protective lipids is less favorable [1]. Focusing on cardiovascular wellness through aerobic exercise and a diet rich in healthy fats can help mitigate these genetic tendencies.
Lower circulating HDL cholesterol levels; Increased risk of coronary atherosclerosis.
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
CETP gene polymorphisms and risk of coronary atherosclerosis in a Chinese population.
A large electronic-health-record-based genome-wide study of serum lipids.
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