19/06/2026 07:08 - Salud
Corazón humano con representación artística de células sanguíneas mutadas, glóbulos blancos con anomalías genéticas visibles, ambiente médico-futurista con microscopio digital, tonos azules y rojos profesionales
Researchers from the prestigious Mount Sinai Cardiovascular Institute in New York published a landmark study in the renowned journal Nature. Analyzing data from nearly 91,000 individuals, they demonstrated that quality sleep and regular exercise can reduce inflammation and cardiovascular risk at any age.
The study focused on a little-known but crucial phenomenon: clonal hematopoiesis, a mutation in white blood cells present in 25% of people over 70 and up to 50% of those over 80. This mutation promotes atherosclerosis, the hardening of arteries that can lead to heart attacks or strokes.
Clonal hematopoiesis is a condition where blood cells derive from an abnormal clone. This means a blood stem cell acquires a genetic mutation that allows it to multiply uncontrollably. While not as well-known as hypertension or high cholesterol, it has a significant impact on cardiovascular health.
Researcher Cameron McAlpine, one of the study's authors, confirmed that a healthy lifestyle can counteract genetic mutations, offering hope to millions who may be at risk without knowing it.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 7-8 hours of sleep for older adults to maintain good cardiovascular health.
Dr. Kevin Shah from MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute emphasizes that exercise maintains optimal levels of blood pressure, body weight, and insulin sensitivity. The recommendation: 150 minutes weekly of moderate to intense activity.
The American Heart Association recommends a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, avoiding tobacco, limiting sugars, and controlling cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose levels.
The study demonstrates that even in the presence of genetic risk factors like clonal hematopoiesis, adopting healthy habits can significantly reduce inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk.
This discovery represents significant progress in understanding cardiovascular diseases. Unlike other risk factors traditionally associated with aging, clonal hematopoiesis is an independent variable that can be mitigated through lifestyle changes.
The study's conclusion is clear: it's never too late to adopt healthy habits. Quality sleep, exercise, and balanced nutrition can make a difference even for those with genetic predisposition to cardiovascular problems.
Source: Nature | Mount Sinai Cardiovascular Institute
Alfredo S. Quiroga
