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Sleep and exercise may dampen genetic drivers of heart disease

Lifestyle changes may impact DNA glitches that raise heart disease risk, mouse data suggest

A cross section of a mouse's aorta is seen on a black background. The center, instead of being clear, is largely blocked by lumpy plaques. Red sections show areas where there are an influx of immune cells and green show where those cells are releasing anti-inflammatory proteins.

Plaques within the arterial wall of the mouse aorta (cross section pictured here) attract an influx of immune cells (red), which release inflammatory proteins (shown in green) that increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Mount Sinai Health System

By Esther Landhuis

Getting solid shut-eye and hitting the gym could offset the impact of some genetic mutations that raise the risk of heart disease and stroke.