Bone marrow is responsible for producing blood cells, including white blood cells that play a crucial role in inflammation. As the body ages, changes in cells occur naturally, and most of these mutations do not have any effect. However, for some individuals, mutations in blood-forming cells can multiply, leading to a condition called clonal hematopoiesis.
Clonal Hematopoiesis: Types and Risks
Researchers have identified two types of clonal hematopoiesis: clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) and clonal cytopenia of unknown significance (CCUS). While only a small fraction of adults with CHIP and CCUS face increased risks for heart disease and blood cancers, those with high-risk mutations have strikingly high risks.
Identifying Increased Risks
To identify adults with increased risks for developing cardiovascular disease or cancer, researchers use a clonal hematopoiesis risk calculator. This tool considers factors such as the type of mutation, the number of mutations, the proportion of cells with mutations, and other variables, such as age and blood cell counts.