Cardiovascular health problems are commonly associated more with men than women, and a new study has uncovered evidence to suggest that gender plays even more of a role in heart health than previously thought. Researchers from the University of Leicester analyzed DNA from more than 3,000 men to determine how the Y chromosome, a DNA molecule found only in men, affects the inheritance of coronary heat disease.
They found that 90 percent of Y chromosomes in the study fell into two groups, haplogroup I and haplogroup R1b1b2. Those who were in the former group had a 50 percent higher risk of developing coronary artery disease, regardless of external factors like smoking or high blood pressure.
"We are very excited about these findings as they put the Y chromosome on the map of genetic susceptibility to coronary artery disease," said lead investigator Dr. Macjej Tomaszewski, a clinical lecturer at the University's Department of Cardiovascular Sciences.
The National Institutes of Health reports that heart disease is the leading cause of death for men as well as women, and the risk only increases with age. Seniors aging independently may want to invest in
medical alarm systems so they can contact help immediately should they experience a heart attack or otherwise need medical assistance.