What is PCSK9 – rs562556, rs45613943 and Why Does the Cardio Zoomer Test for It?

PCSK9 gene variants

PCSK9 – rs562556 and rs45613943 are common genetic variants in the PCSK9 gene, which encodes a liver-derived protein that helps regulate how many LDL receptors are available to clear cholesterol. Measuring these variants provides inherited context for differences in cholesterol handling and complements biochemical lipid measurements.

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PCSK9 – rs562556, rs45613943

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About PCSK9 – rs562556, rs45613943

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About PCSK9 – rs562556, rs45613943

Overview and History

PCSK9 is a member of the proprotein convertase family, produced mainly by the liver and secreted into the bloodstream. Biochemically, PCSK9 binds LDL receptors on liver cells and promotes their degradation, altering how quickly LDL cholesterol is removed from circulation. Variants such as rs562556 and rs45613943 are single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in or near the PCSK9 gene. Since PCSK9 was linked to interindividual differences in cholesterol levels, many common and rare variants have been studied for their association with lipid traits and drug response; the two SNPs here are included as part of broader cardiogenetic panels to provide inherited risk patterning rather than a deterministic result.

Interpreting Highs and Lows

For these genetic markers, ‘‘higher’’ or ‘‘lower’’ refers to allele associations with PCSK9 expression or activity seen in population studies. Alleles associated with increased PCSK9 activity or expression tend to correlate with patterns of reduced LDL receptor availability and higher LDL-cholesterol measures in group analyses. Conversely, alleles associated with reduced PCSK9 activity or expression tend to correlate with greater LDL receptor availability and lower LDL-cholesterol measures. Interpretation depends on the full Cardio Zoomer profile: genotype associations are one piece of information and are best evaluated alongside direct lipid measurements, inflammatory markers, metabolic data, and clinical history to understand personal cardiovascular risk patterns.

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Cardio Zoomer includes PCSK9 variants to add inherited context to lipid biology. These SNPs help explain why an individual’s LDL-cholesterol or response patterns may differ from average and, when combined with lab markers, help clinicians distinguish genetic tendencies from lifestyle or metabolic drivers to support personalized risk stratification.

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PCSK9 – rs562556, rs45613943 FAQs

What is PCSK9 – rs562556, rs45613943 and why is it important?

They are common single-letter changes in the PCSK9 gene. PCSK9 helps control how many LDL receptors the liver displays, affecting how quickly LDL cholesterol is cleared. Knowing which variants you carry can help explain inherited patterns in lipid levels when reviewed with other tests.

What does it mean if my PCSK9 – rs562556, rs45613943 levels are low?

If your genotype includes alleles that population studies link to lower PCSK9 activity or expression, this pattern has been associated with greater LDL receptor availability and generally lower LDL-cholesterol in group analyses. That association does not predict individual outcomes alone; it must be interpreted together with your measured lipids and other Cardio Zoomer results.

What does it mean if my PCSK9 – rs562556, rs45613943 levels are high?

If your genotype includes alleles associated with higher PCSK9 activity or expression, population studies have linked that pattern with reduced LDL receptor availability and higher LDL-cholesterol on average. Elevated-associated alleles are an inherited factor to consider, but their clinical meaning depends on the full lipid profile, inflammation markers, and other risk features.

Why is this biomarker included in the Cardio Zoomer?

These PCSK9 variants provide genetic context for cholesterol metabolism, helping clinicians distinguish inherited influences from acquired metabolic or inflammatory drivers. Including them with advanced lipids and other domains improves pattern recognition and supports more personalized assessment of cardiovascular-related risk factors.

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