The Kirov region has entered the top 15 regions with "cholesterol protection."

      Specialists from Genotek analyzed more than 166,000 genetic samples to assess the prevalence of the rs7412 mutation in the APOE gene. This gene variant is considered a natural "protector" of blood vessels, as it allows for a reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, known as "bad" cholesterol, by almost one-fifth (18-19%). This reduces the risk of plaque formation and the development of heart attacks. However, as the study showed, nature has distributed this bonus extremely unevenly.

      Kirov in the top fifteen of "genetically protected" areas

      The analysis of the geographical distribution of the protective allele (a gene variant that provides resistance to external factors or reduces the risk of developing certain diseases) showed that in Central Russia and the Northwest, the frequency of the beneficial gene is significantly higher than the average Russian indicators. The highest results are demonstrated by Orenburg, Surgut, and Arkhangelsk, where the proportion of carriers exceeds 20%.

      A special place in the ranking is occupied by the Kirov region. In the regional center — the city of Kirov — the frequency of the rs7412 variant was 18.24%. This is not only significantly higher than the national average among Russians (15.95%), but also allows Kirov to take 11th place in the list of leading cities in genetic resistance to "bad" cholesterol, entering the top fifteen. Nearby cities such as Ryazan, Magnitogorsk, and Astrakhan also made the list.

      Ethnic factor and contrast with the south

      Upon closer examination, it became clear that such high indicators in regions like Kirov are explained by the ethnic composition. According to the distribution table by ethnicity, the most "protected" ethnic group in Russia is Russians (15.95%). They are followed by Ukrainians, Yakuts, and Belarusians.

      However, if we look at the map of distribution by cities, the picture becomes more contrasting. While the indicators are consistently high in the north and center of the country, the situation is reversed in the southern regions. At the other end of the ranking are Vladikavkaz (7.24%) and Nalchik (6.86%). This correlates with the data on ethnic groups: among Ossetians, the share of the "protective" allele is only 4.15%, while among Kabardians, Circassians, and Adyghe, it is less than 2%.

      Experts' opinion: genetics offers no leniency

      Despite the fact that residents of the Kirov region may feel genetically protected, medical experts urge not to rely solely on heredity. "The presence of this gene variant is an undeniable advantage, but just one of many factors," comments the medical director of the company, Fyodor Kireev. "Even if nature has gifted you with a low risk of accumulating 'bad' cholesterol, poor nutrition, smoking, and physical inactivity can nullify this bonus. Genetics sets the predisposition, but lifestyle remains the main tool for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases."