Cardio IQ™ ApoE Genotype Most Popular

The Cardio IQ™ ApoE Genotype test contains 1 test with 4 biomarkers.

Description: The ApoE Genotype test is used to identify which Apolipoprotein E Genotype a patient has to determine the patient’s cardiovascular risk and lipid metabolism.

Also Known As: ApoE Cardiac Risk Test, ApoE Cardiovascular Disease Test, Apolipoprotein E Test, Apo E Test, ApoE Protein Test

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Whole Blood

Test Preparation: No preparation required

Average Processing Time: 6 to 7 days

When is an ApoE Genotype test ordered?

APOE genotyping is requested as a test to assess cardiovascular risk or lipid metabolism in those who have:

  • Levels of cholesterol and triglycerides that are significantly increased and do not go down as a result of dietary and lifestyle adjustments
  • A physician who is interested in determining whether a person may be more at risk for developing early heart disease because family members have APOE e2/e2
  • Xanthomas, which are yellowish skin lesions, are suspected to be type III hyperlipoproteinemia by the medical professional.

What does an ApoE Genotype test check for?

A protein called apolipoprotein E aids in the movement of lipids through the blood. It can transfer lipids to cells for utilization or storage as well as extra lipid to the liver for excretion because it is recognized by particular cell surface receptors.

There are three genetic variants of the apoE protein, each of which has a slightly different structure. ApoE2, ApoE3, and ApoE4 are their names. While ApoE3 and ApoE4 bind strongly to those receptors, cell surface receptors do not identify ApoE2 very well. Since poor binding of ApoE2 to receptors impairs transport from blood to cells, patients with ApoE2 typically have higher blood lipid levels.

e2, e3, and e4 are three distinct genes that, respectively, code for ApoE2, ApoE3, and ApoE4. Each parent contributes one allele to the individual. Homozygous individuals are those who inherit the same allele from both parents (e2/e2, e3/e3, or e4/e4). Heterozygous individuals are those who have multiple alleles, such as e2/e3, e2/e4, or e3/e4.

A person's DNA is examined as part of the APOE genotyping test to ascertain which APOE forms are present.

The most prevalent genotype of APOE, e3/e3, is regarded as "neutral." Disease risks are calculated in relation to the e3/e3 population.

A higher risk of atherosclerosis is linked to APOE e4, which is present in 25% of the population. When eating a diet high in saturated fat, individuals with certain genotypes may be prone to considerably higher levels of LDL-C and triglycerides.

Those who carry the APOE e2 allele typically have higher triglycerides but lower LDL-C values. Type III hyperlipoproteinemia/hyperlipidemia, a rare genetic condition that results in xanthomas, which are fatty yellow deposits on the skin, elevated triglyceride levels in the blood, and early-onset atherosclerosis, is also linked to APOE e2. With the e2/e2 genotype, type III hyperlipoproteinemia/hyperlipidemia only occurs in roughly 2% of individuals.

Lab tests often ordered with an ApoE Genotype test:

  • Lipoprotein Fractionation Ion Mobility
  • Lipid Panel
  • Apolipoprotein A1
  • Apolipoprotein B
  • Lipoprotein (a)

Conditions where an ApoE Genotype test is recommended:

  • Cardiovascular Disease
  • Hyperlipoproteinemia

How does my health care provider use an ApoE Genotype test?

APOE genotyping is typically carried out in research settings, but it can also be applied in clinical settings to aid in the diagnosis and management of increased lipid levels.

When a person exhibits symptoms suggestive of type III hyperlipoproteinemia, APOE testing may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and assess the risk of the problem in other family members. This uncommon genetic condition results in xanthomas, which are fatty, yellowish skin deposits, elevated blood triglyceride levels, and early-onset atherosclerosis.

The APOE genotyping procedure has the potential to direct lipid therapy. Statins are typically regarded as the therapy of choice in situations of high cholesterol and triglyceride levels to lower the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The APOE genotype, however, has some bearing on the broad variation in response to these lipid-lowering medications. The full clinical utility of this kind of information is still not fully recognized at this time.

What do my ApoE Genotype test results mean?

Genotype e3/e3 of APOE is the most prevalent. Since APOE e3 is linked to "normal" lipid metabolism, it is possible that it has no hereditary bearing on the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease.

A higher risk of atherosclerosis is linked to APOE e4, which is present in 25% of the population. When eating a diet high in saturated fat, people with certain genotypes may be prone to considerably higher levels of LDL-C and triglycerides.

People who carry the APOE e2/e2 allele typically have higher triglycerides but lower LDL-C values. Type III hyperlipidemia and hyperlipoproteinemia are both linked to APOE e2. Although those who carry the APOE e2/e2 genotype are more likely to experience early vascular disease, they may never experience disease. If symptoms are present, e2/e2 can assist confirm type III hyperlipoproteinemia and APOE genotyping adds more information.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: ApoE Genotype, ApoE Genotype Cardio IQ, Apolipoprotein E Genotype, Cardio IQ ApoE Genotype

Apoe Genotype

The test for ApoE is may be used in combination with other lipid tests that evaluate risk for CVD, such as cholesterol levels and lipoprotein electrophoresis. It may be used to check for and help to diagnose a genetic component to a lipid abnormality. Testing for ApoE may sometimes be ordered to help guide lipid treatment. In cases of high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, statins are usually considered the treatment of choice to decrease the risk of developing CVD. However, there is a wide variability in the response to these lipid-lowering drugs that is in part influenced by the Apo E genotype. Though appropriately responsive to a low fat diet, people with ApoE e4 may be less likely than those with ApoE e2 to respond to statins by decreasing their levels of LDL-C and may require adjustments to their treatment plans In Alzheimer's Disease - ApoE genotyping is also sometimes used as an adjunct test to help in the diagnosis of probable late onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) in symptomatic adults. It is called susceptibility or risk factor testing because it indicates whether there is an increased risk of AD but is not specifically diagnostic of AD. If a patient has dementia, the presence of ApoE4 may increase the likelihood that the dementia is due to AD, but does not prove that it is.

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*Process times are an estimate and are not guaranteed. The lab may need additional time due to weather, holidays, confirmation/repeat testing, or equipment maintenance.

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