LPA rs3798220: What Your Genotype Means
The rs3798220 variant is a specific change in the LPA gene that has been linked to higher levels of lipoprotein(a) in the blood. Research suggests this variant is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease and related cardiovascular conditions.
What each genotype means
Typical lipoprotein(a) levels
This genotype represents the common, non-risk version of this variant. Research indicates that individuals with this profile do not carry the specific genetic change associated with elevated lipoprotein(a) levels and increased cardiovascular risk at this location.
This is the most common genotype, found in the vast majority of individuals across all studied populations.
Elevated lipoprotein(a) risk
Carrying one copy of the C allele is associated with higher plasma concentrations of lipoprotein(a) compared to those without it. Elevated lipoprotein(a) is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease and aortic valve stenosis, and you should discuss your cardiovascular health and lipid management with your clinician.
The C allele is a minor allele with a frequency of approximately 0.02 in European populations, making this heterozygous genotype relatively uncommon.
High lipoprotein(a) risk
Carrying two copies of the C allele (also referred to as the 4399Met allele) is strongly associated with significantly higher plasma concentrations of lipoprotein(a). This genotype is linked to an increased risk of premature coronary heart disease and aortic valve issues, and you should consult with a healthcare provider to evaluate your lipid profile and overall cardiovascular risk.
This homozygous genotype is rare, occurring in a very small fraction of the population given the low frequency of the C allele.
Understanding the rs3798220 Variant
The rs3798220 variant is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located within the LPA gene on chromosome 6. In genetics, a SNP represents a variation at a single position in the DNA sequence. For rs3798220, the variation involves a change in the nucleotide base, which can influence how the body produces specific proteins. This particular variant is frequently studied alongside other genetic markers in the same region to understand how they collectively impact lipid metabolism. Because it is located in a region of the genome that regulates the production of apolipoprotein(a), researchers focus on this site to determine how minor DNA differences can lead to measurable changes in blood chemistry. It is important to note that while this variant is a well-documented marker in genetic studies, it is just one of many factors that contribute to an individual's overall cardiovascular profile.
The Role of the LPA Gene
The LPA gene provides instructions for making a protein called apolipoprotein(a). This protein is a key component of lipoprotein(a), a type of particle in the blood that carries cholesterol and other fats. Lipoprotein(a) is structurally similar to plasminogen, a protein involved in the breakdown of blood clots. When levels of lipoprotein(a) are elevated, it may interfere with the body's natural clot-dissolving processes and contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. The LPA gene is highly variable, and the amount of lipoprotein(a) an individual produces is largely determined by their genetics. Because this gene plays such a central role in lipid transport and vascular health, variations like rs3798220 are of significant interest to scientists investigating the biological mechanisms behind heart-related conditions.
Research Associations and Evidence
Scientific research, including large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS), has consistently identified a statistical link between the rs3798220 variant and elevated serum lipoprotein(a) concentrations. Carriers of the variant allele have been observed to have higher levels of these lipid particles compared to non-carriers. Consequently, this has been associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease and aortic valve calcification in various studies. However, the strength of this association can vary by ancestry. For instance, while the link is well-established in European populations, some studies have noted that the association is not as consistent in East Asian or other non-European populations. This highlights the complexity of genetic risk, where the impact of a single variant may be influenced by the broader genetic background of an individual. Current evidence supports the role of this variant as a marker for cardiovascular risk, but it is not a diagnostic tool on its own.
Population Frequency
The frequency of the rs3798220 variant differs significantly across global populations. In European populations, the minor allele frequency is approximately 0.02, meaning it is relatively uncommon. Because the variant is not found at high frequencies in all groups, its utility as a predictive marker is highly dependent on an individual's ancestral background. Researchers continue to study these frequency differences to better understand why certain genetic markers appear to have different clinical impacts across diverse human populations. These variations in frequency are a standard feature of human genetics, reflecting the diverse evolutionary history of different groups worldwide.
Navigating Genetic Information
If you have received information about your rs3798220 genotype, it is important to view it as one piece of a much larger puzzle. Genetic variants are statistical associations, not medical diagnoses. Many factors, including diet, lifestyle, exercise, and other genetic markers, play a significant role in cardiovascular health. You cannot change your genotype, but you can manage your overall health through evidence-based practices recommended by healthcare professionals. If you are concerned about your cardiovascular risk or your lipoprotein(a) levels, the most effective step is to consult with a physician or a cardiologist. They can interpret your results in the context of your full medical history, blood lipid panels, and other clinical markers. Avoid making health decisions based solely on a single genetic variant report, and always discuss any questions about your health or potential interventions with a qualified medical provider.
How common is this variant?
The minor allele frequency for rs3798220 is approximately 0.02 in European populations, though this frequency varies across different global ancestries.
Frequently asked questions
Is rs3798220 a diagnostic test for heart disease?
No, rs3798220 is not a diagnostic test. It is a genetic variant associated with a statistical increase in risk, but it does not determine whether an individual will develop heart disease.
Can I lower my lipoprotein(a) levels if I have this variant?
Lipoprotein(a) levels are primarily determined by genetics. You should discuss your specific lipid profile and any concerns about cardiovascular health with your doctor, who can recommend appropriate monitoring or management strategies.
Why does the risk associated with this variant differ by ethnicity?
Genetic risk factors often interact with other genes and environmental factors that vary by population. Research has shown that the association between rs3798220 and cardiovascular outcomes is more consistent in some populations than in others.
Should I change my diet based on my rs3798220 result?
General heart-healthy lifestyle choices, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, are recommended for everyone regardless of their genotype. Consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for personalized advice.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 10/10/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
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Variant in the LPA gene locus associated with circulating lipoprotein(a) levels and cardiovascular healthspan.
Intronic splice-affecting variant in LPA leading to elevated plasma lipoprotein(a) concentrations and increased risk of aortic valve stenosis and coronary disease.
A splice-altering variant in LPA that lowers circulating lipoprotein(a) levels and is significantly associated with extended parental attained age and healthspan.
Intronic variant in LPA strongly associated with elevated circulating lipoprotein(a) levels and increased risk for coronary artery disease and aortic stenosis.
This variant is strongly associated with significantly elevated levels of Lipoprotein(a), a major independent risk factor for heart disease.
An LPA-locus variant identified as an independent genetic determinant of human healthspan and disease-free survival through modulated cardiovascular risk.