With increasing age, blood stem cells in the bone marrow can undergo genetic changes, causing certain blood cells to multiply more rapidly and accumulate in the blood. Experts refer to this as clonal haematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP). For a long time, CHIP was primarily considered a risk factor for blood cancer. A recent study in the European Heart Journal now shows that CHIP is common in patients with coronary heart disease, can damage the heart and blood vessels, and reduces the life expectancy of those affected
An international research team led by Dr. Moritz von Scheidt at the TUM German Heart Centre and the German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) examined the genetic data of more than 8,600 patients with coronary heart disease. CHIP mutations were found in around 30 percent of these patients. Compared to patients without CHIP, their risk of dying within three years was almost 40 per cent higher. The most common changes were found in the TET2, DNMT3A and ASXL1 genes.
Why CHIP is dangerous – new mechanism
In addition to the already known pro-inflammatory effect of TET2-CHIP mutations, a previously unknown mechanism was identified experimentally. The mutated immune cells absorbed more cholesterol, transformed into so-called foam cells and thus intensified local inflammation and the progression of plaque formation in the vessels. These processes led to unstable deposits in the coronary arteries, which can break open more easily – a key cause of heart attacks. It is therefore clear that CHIP contributes directly to the worsening of cardiovascular diseases.
New opportunities for diagnosis and treatment
‘Our findings show that CHIP is a previously underestimated risk factor for heart patients. By systematically identifying and understanding CHIP, we can better assess individual risk and develop new, targeted therapies in the long term,’ emphasise Prof. Heribert Schunkert, Director of the Clinic for Cardiovascular Diseases at the TUM German Heart Centre, and Dr. Moritz von Scheidt, head of the study.
German CHIP Register e.V. – Focus on patients
To date, there are no specific screening or treatment recommendations for affected individuals. The German CHIP Registry (Deutsches CHIP Register e.V.) was established to systematically record CHIP cases in Germany. (www.chip-register.de). The non-profit association is organised around the patient and aims to enable screening and individual risk assessment. Those affected receive recommendations on how to optimise their personal risk profile and can receive long-term support. Dr. Moritz von Scheidt is the chairman of the German CHIP Register e.V. and is committed to ensuring that research results are put into practice as quickly as possible – for the direct benefit of those affected.
Original publication:
Clonal haematopoiesis of indeterminate potential and mortality in coronary artery disease. von Scheidt et al., Eur Heart J, 2025 Sep 3
