20/06/2026 04:54 - Salud
Corazón humano con representación artística de células sanguíneas y ADN, simbolizando la conexión entre genética y salud cardiovascular, estilo médico ilustrativo
Researchers from the prestigious Mount Sinai Cardiovascular Institute published on June 18, 2026 in the renowned journal Nature a study analyzing data from nearly 91,000 people, revealing a previously unknown heart risk factor: clonal hematopoiesis.
This phenomenon consists of a mutation in white blood cells that occurs silently and increases significantly with age, but can be neutralized with healthy habits.
Clonal hematopoiesis is a mutation that occurs in blood stem cells and replicates in white blood cells. Although not cancer, this mutation generates a chronic inflammatory response that promotes the development of atherosclerosis, the hardening and narrowing of arteries.
| Age Group | Prevalence |
|---|---|
| People over 70 | 25% |
| People over 80 | 50% |
Source: Mount Sinai Study, Nature, June 2026
Researcher Cameron McAlpine, one of the study's authors, confirmed that a healthy lifestyle can counteract genetic mutations, including clonal hematopoiesis.
Getting adequate sleep and engaging in regular exercise reduce inflammation and cardiovascular risk at any age, even in the presence of this mutation.
Kevin Shah, from MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute, highlighted that exercise maintains blood pressure, body weight, and insulin sensitivity at optimal levels, contributing directly to cardiovascular health.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
