A common heart disease which kills thousands of people each year may be passed from father to son, according to a study led by the University of Leicester.

The danger lies in a particular version of the Y chromosome found only in men.

Scientists found men carrying the version ran a 50 per cent higher risk of coronary heart disease which can lead to heart attacks.

Dr Helene Wilson, from the British Heart Foundation (BHF), which provided most of the research funding, said: "This discovery could help lead to new treatments for heart disease in men."

The team at the University of Leicester analysed DNA from more than 3,000 men from the BHF family heart study and the West of Scotland coronary prevention study.

The findings are published in the medical journal, The Lancet.

Dr Maciej Tomaszewski, lead researcher from the university, said: "We are very excited about these findings as they put the Y chromosome on the map of genetic susceptibility to coronary heart disease.

"The novelty of these findings is this chromosome appears to play a role in the cardiovascular system beyond its traditionally perceived determination of male sex."