The ageing process is associated with somatic mutations in haematopoietic stem cells, which can lead to clonal haematopoiesis. Recently, clonal haematopoiesis has emerged as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and the underlying mechanisms likely involve heightened inflammatory responses in leukocytes derived from mutated clones. This review outlines the concept of clonal haematopoiesis of indeterminate potential and summarises epidemiological and experimental evidence, which support the notion that clonal haematopoiesis-mediated inflammation contributes to cardiovascular disease.