roanoke, virginia – In a new study from the University of Virginia, researchers found that loss of the Y chromosome in certain cells in men can cause scarring, which can lead to heart failure.

Unlike women, who have two X chromosomes, men have an X and a Y. Doctors have discovered that the loss of certain genes within the Y chromosome can lead to a shortened lifespan and heart failure.

“By the age of 70, about 40% of men have lost a significant amount of their Y chromosome, and we’ve actually known that for quite some time. But we now know that it’s linked to a shorter lifespan and certain types of diseases. “So what we’re studying is the impact of Y chromosome loss on cardiovascular disease processes in humans,” said Professor Kenneth Walsh from the University of Virginia. states.

Mr Walsh said his research paper, published in recent weeks, took a closer look at the Y chromosome and how men would be affected if it were lost. He said he had conducted this research over the past several years. He studied mice and also looked at existing databases to analyze heart failure patients.

Heart disease was the leading cause of death in Virginia in 2021, according to the CDC. One type of heart disease that is a serious problem is heart failure. Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood and oxygen to support the body.

Approximately 300 people were hospitalized for heart failure in Allegany County in 2022, according to data from the state Department of Health. That year, more than 1,400 people were hospitalized in Bedford County. More than 1,200 people were hospitalized in Montgomery County. In 2022, more than 800 people in Pittsylvania County will have heart failure. More than 1,900 people were hospitalized in Roanoke County and more than 3,000 people were hospitalized in Roanoke City with heart failure.

Doctors say heart failure is more common in men. However, that is not always the case in Southwest Virginia.

In 2022, more women than men were hospitalized with heart failure in Allegany and Pittsylvania counties, while the difference was small in Roanoke County and the City of Roanoke.

More men were hospitalized in Bedford and Montgomery counties. The average ratio of males to females in our region is 48-55%, and the numbers are almost evenly distributed.

Walsh hopes that through his research he will be able to treat the effects of heart failure.

“Perhaps if we could understand how this gene works, we could develop drugs that could target this gene and reverse some of the fibrosis that is causing the stiffness of the heart, the fibrotic effect, and reverse this condition. “We may be able to come up with a new design,” he said. Walsh.