What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy fat your body uses to build cell membranes, make hormones like estrogen and testosterone, and produce vitamin D and bile. Because it does not mix with blood, it travels inside particles called lipoproteins. LDL delivers cholesterol to tissues, while HDL helps return the extra to the liver. Triglycerides, another type of blood fat, ride along in related particles.
How your genes play a role
Your genes help decide how these particles are built and how quickly they are removed. Some variants affect the LDL receptors on your liver that pull cholesterol out of the blood. Others influence HDL, triglyceride breakdown or how much cholesterol your gut absorbs. These effects combine with food, activity and body weight to shape your lipid profile.
A standard cholesterol test shows a snapshot. Genetics can help explain why your numbers look the way they do, especially if they seem out of step with your habits. This context can make conversations with your clinician more focused, and help you understand whether diet, movement or other factors may have more influence for you. It turns a few numbers on a lab report into a story about how your own body handles fat.
What your report shows
Your Cholesterol results are explained in plain language in your private EvoDNA account, alongside the other areas in your kit.
- LDL clearanceVariants linked to how efficiently your liver removes LDL cholesterol from the blood.
- HDL pathwaysGenes that shape how HDL particles collect and return cholesterol.
- Triglyceride handlingHow your body may break down fats that circulate after a meal.
- Absorption tendenciesVariants that influence how much cholesterol and plant sterols your gut takes in.
| Gene | What it does | Result |
|---|---|---|
| LDLR | Makes the LDL receptor, which captures LDL cholesterol from… | Typical |
| APOB | Provides the main protein on LDL particles, which allows… | Moderate effect |
| PCSK9 | Regulates how many LDL receptors remain on liver cells,… | Typical |
Each result comes with a plain-language explanation and practical points to discuss with your clinician.
Illustration only. Your report reflects your own genetic results.
Genes we analyze
| Gene | Role |
|---|---|
| LDLR | Makes the LDL receptor, which captures LDL cholesterol from the blood and brings it into cells. |
| APOB | Provides the main protein on LDL particles, which allows them to attach to LDL receptors. |
| PCSK9 | Regulates how many LDL receptors remain on liver cells, influencing LDL levels. |
| ABCG5 | Works with ABCG8 to pump cholesterol and plant sterols out of gut and liver cells for removal. |
| CETP | Moves cholesterol between HDL and other lipoproteins, which can shape HDL levels. |
Full panel: 16 genes
APOE, APOB, APOA1, APOA4, APOC2, APOC3, ABCA1, ABCG5, ABCG8, CETP, LCAT, LIPG, LPL, PCSK9, LDLR, STAP1
Putting results to use
Many people use their results as a starting point for conversations with their clinician about:
Oats, beans and lentils are often discussed for their role in a cholesterol-friendly diet.
Many people talk with their clinician about choosing olive oil, nuts and fish more often.
Regular movement is commonly linked to healthier triglyceride and HDL levels.
A periodic lipid panel can show how your levels respond to the changes you make.
Questions
If my cholesterol is genetic, does diet still matter?
Yes. Even when genes play a larger role, food, activity and weight can still influence your levels. Your clinician can help you weigh the options.
What is the difference between LDL and HDL?
LDL particles deliver cholesterol to tissues, and higher levels are linked to plaque in arteries. HDL particles help carry extra cholesterol back to the liver.
Can a DNA test replace a cholesterol blood test?
No. A blood test measures your current levels, while a DNA test describes tendencies. The two work best together.
Only interested in this area? The High Cholesterol Genetic Report is available on its own for $99.00.
