Loss of Y Chromosome Linked to Increased Heart Attack Risk in Men
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) has found that age-related loss of the Y chromosome in blood cells may be an under-recognized biological signal associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction – commonly known as a heart attack – in older men.1
The ASPREE Study and LOY
Researchers from Monash University, led by Dr. Monira Hussain and Professor Paul Lacaze from the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, analyzed data from the ASPREE (Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly) study. The study measured the loss of the Y chromosome in circulating blood cells of thousands of initially healthy older men.1
As men age, cells can gradually lose the Y chromosome, a phenomenon known as “loss of Y” (LOY). This occurs most frequently in circulating blood cells and affects approximately 20-30% of men over the age of 70. LOY is not inherited and develops over time during the aging process.1
Increased Risk of Heart Attack
The analysis examined whether higher levels of Y chromosome loss correlated with a greater likelihood of developing major cardiovascular events. The study followed over 5,000 men who were initially free from cardiovascular disease for several years, carefully tracking heart attacks and strokes using clinical records.1
Results showed that men with higher levels of Y chromosome loss in their blood had a significantly increased risk of myocardial infarction – approximately 70% higher compared to men whose blood cells retained the Y chromosome. This association remained even after accounting for established cardiovascular risk factors like smoking, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes, and kidney function.1
Specificity to Heart Attack, Not Stroke
Interestingly, the association between LOY and cardiovascular events appeared specific to myocardial infarction, rather than stroke. This suggests that the biological processes underlying different types of cardiovascular disease may vary.1
Confirmation in UK Biobank
To further validate the findings, researchers also examined data from a large independent population of men from the UK Biobank, observing a similar pattern.1
Implications for Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
Dr. Hussain stated that these findings are the first to suggest that age-related loss of the Y chromosome may serve as a biological signal associated with heart attack risk in older men. She also noted that the results broaden the understanding of LOY beyond heart failure, highlighting its potential relevance to ischemic heart disease, which is responsible for most fatal cardiovascular events.1
Further research is needed to determine if measuring LOY could contribute to improved cardiovascular risk assessment in aging men and to understand how these findings apply to diverse populations.1
About JACC
The Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) is a leading peer-reviewed publication in cardiovascular medicine, publishing original clinical and experimental reports on all aspects of heart disease.2, 4
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