Clonal haematopoiesis and cardiovascular diseases: A growing relationship

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Hematology
• Immunology

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases, especially atherothrombosis, are leading global causes of mortality.
• Established risk factors inadequately predict individual cardiovascular risk.
• Clonal haematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is a recently identified condition involving clonal expansion of hematopoietic cells due to somatic mutations, prevalent in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on CHIP and its cardiovascular implications.
• To explore the pathophysiological mechanisms linking CHIP to increased cardiovascular risk.
• To discuss the potential impact of CHIP on clinical practice and patient management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of observational and experimental studies.
• Analysis of the role of inflammation and immune cells, specifically IL-1β-secreting macrophages.
• Synthesis of findings related to CHIP's effect on atherosclerotic plaques and myocardial tissue.

Main Results:

• CHIP is associated with a higher risk of myocardial infarction, heart failure, and severe aortic valve stenosis.
• CHIP presence appears to negatively impact the prognosis of these cardiovascular conditions.
• Inflammation, mediated by IL-1β-secreting macrophages, is a key mechanism linking CHIP to cardiovascular pathology.

Conclusions:

• CHIP represents a significant, emerging risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
• Understanding the inflammatory pathways involved in CHIP is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
• Integrating CHIP assessment into clinical practice may enhance cardiovascular risk stratification and patient care.