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Genes that impact heart health

Personalizing your path to a healthier heart

Your heart health isn’t just shaped by how much you exercise or what you eat, it’s also influenced by your DNA. At GenoPalate, we analyze key genetic variants to understand how your body handles nutrients tied to cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure.


This guide walks you through the nutrients we analyze for their impact on heart health and the genes that may play a role.

Not all of these apply to everyone. We highlight specific genotypes that research has shown to be impactful. Check your GenoPalate results to see which genes are marked for you.

Nutrients connected to heart health (via your genes): the short list

GenoPalate looks at how your genes may influence your heart health in response to these key nutrients:

  1. Carbohydrates, including fiber
  2. Total fat
  3. Saturated fat
  4. Monounsaturated fat
  5. Omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids
  6. Folate (vitamin B9)
  7. Potassium
  8. Sodium

A deeper look: key genes for a healthy heart

Carbohydrates

MMAB - Carbs and cholesterol

This gene affects cholesterol metabolism and how the body responds to different carbohydrate levels.


WHY THIS GENE MATTERS

People with GG genotypes may see an increase in HDL ("good") cholesterol on a low-carbohydrate diet.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

  • Focus on fiber-rich, slow-digesting carbs (like lentils, leafy greens, oats)
  • Reduce refined sugars and high-glycemic foods
  • Experiment with a lower-carb approach under guidance from your health provider

Fats

ACE – Fats and blood pressure

This gene affects how your blood vessels contract and relax, which influences blood pressure.


WHY THIS GENE MATTERS

People with the GG genotype may see improved blood pressure levels on a low-fat or low-saturated fat diet.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

  • Limit butter, fatty cuts of meat, and full-fat dairy
  • Cook with olive or avocado oil instead of frying
  • Add more fiber and potassium-rich produce

APOA5 – Managing LDL cholesterol

This gene is involved in transporting fats and managing blood triglyceride levels.


WHY THIS GENE MATTERS

People with the CC genotype are more likely to lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol on a low-fat diet.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

  • Avoid fried and processed foods
  • Prioritize lean proteins and high-fiber carbs
  • Keep meals balanced with whole, minimally processed ingredients

CETP – Supporting HDL and triglycerides

This gene helps move cholesterol from your bloodstream to your liver for clearance.


WHY THIS GENE MATTERS

People with the TT genotype may respond better to a higher total fat intake, particularly from healthy fat sources. This adjustment has shown improvements in HDL and triglyceride levels in these individuals.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

  • Add heart-healthy fats like nuts, seeds, and fatty fish
  • Reduce intake of saturated fats from animal sources
  • Use olive oil-based dressings and sauces

FAAH – Fat metabolism and appetite regulation

The FAAH gene helps break down fats and regulates appetite via the endocannabinoid system.


WHY THIS GENE MATTERS

People with the CC genotype may benefit from a low-fat diet to better manage triglyceride levels.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

  • Opt for grilled or baked foods over fried
  • Reduce snack foods high in added fats
  • Choose lean protein and plant-based fats

LIPC – Cholesterol and fat tolerance

This gene affects how your body handles dietary fat, particularly from animal sources.


WHY THIS GENE MATTERS

People with the TT genotype may see a boost in their “good” cholesterol (HDL) from eating more healthy fats, but they could still be sensitive to too much saturated fat.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

  • Choose unsaturated fats from nuts, seeds, and oils
  • Minimize high-saturated fat foods like bacon, butter, and cheese
  • Focus on moderation and variety in your fat sources

Omega-3 & omega-6: essential fatty acids

FADS1 – Your omega-3 helper

This gene influences how efficiently your body converts and uses omega-3 and omega-6 fats.


WHY THIS GENE MATTERS

  • Individuals with the GG genotype may improve LDL cholesterol with higher omega-3 intake.
  • Those with the TT genotype may improve HDL cholesterol with higher omega-6 intake.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

  • Include chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, and fatty fish
  • Reduce omega-6 from processed snacks or oils
  • Balance omega-6s with omega-3-rich foods

TNF – Omega-6 and triglyceride response

This gene influences fat storage and insulin sensitivity.


WHY THIS GENE MATTERS

People with the TT genotype may lower triglycerides more effectively on a low omega-6 diet.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

  • Minimize processed and deep-fried foods
  • Choose whole food sources of fat like avocado and seeds
  • Increase omega-3 intake to rebalance fatty acid ratios

Folate

MTHFR – Folate and heart protection

This gene helps regulate homocysteine levels, a heart health marker, through folate metabolism.


WHY THIS GENE MATTERS

People with the TT genotype may require a higher folate intake to maintain healthy homocysteine levels

WHAT YOU CAN DO

  • Eat more leafy greens like spinach and kale
  • Add legumes, citrus fruits, and whole grains
  • Consider folate-rich multivitamins

Potassium

ADIPOQ – Potassium and blood pressure

ADIPOQ helps regulate blood pressure by influencing how your body retains or excretes potassium.


WHY THIS GENE MATTERS

People with the TT genotype may lower their blood pressure more easily with a higher potassium intake.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

  • Add sweet potatoes, bananas, spinach, and avocados to your meals
  • Cook at home to better manage salt-to-potassium ratios

Sodium

ADIPOQ & AGT – Sodium sensitivity

These genes are linked to how your body responds to sodium and its impact on blood pressure.


WHY THESE GENES MATTER

People with the TT genotype in either gene may benefit from a low-sodium diet to support healthy blood pressure.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

  • Avoid heavily salted snacks and canned foods
  • Choose fresh or frozen over pre-packaged meals
  • Use lemon juice, garlic, and herbs to season foods

 Next steps: how to use this guide

The insights in this guide aren’t just interesting—they’re actionable.

  • Check your results in the GenoPalate app to see which genes are important for your heart.
  • Look at your Food Index list to find nutrient-rich foods that align with your genetic strengths.
  • Try one or two swaps this week. Start simple, like switching butter for olive oil or adding leafy greens to your lunch
  • Track how you feel. Small adjustments can lead to noticeable changes in energy, appetite, or digestion.
  • Consider meeting with a registered dietitian for expert guidance on putting it all together.

Your heart, your blueprint

Your DNA doesn’t tell the whole story of your health, but it reveals valuable clues. By learning how your body responds to key nutrients, you can take proactive steps that go beyond general advice.


This is your personalized path to a stronger, healthier heart.

This is the missing piece to your wellness.


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