Baldness link to heart disease

Thursday April 4th, 2013

Men who lose the hair on the top of their head may face an increased risk of developing heart disease, researchers warned today.

Some men with severe loss of hair in their youth seem to face a doubled risk of developing disease, according to a Japanese study.

The research, published in BMJ Open, suggests the main link to heart disease comes from loss of hair on the crown of the head.

But men who lose hair from the top and front of their head were found to be 69% more likely than others to develop heart disease. Those losing it just on the top of the head were found to have a 52% increased risk.

Researchers say there could be several explanations, including high testosterone levels but also the effect of chronic inflammation.

Researchers analysed some six studies of the issue involving nearly 40,000 men in the 1990s and 2000s.

Researcher Dr Tomohide Yamada, of Tokyo University, writes: "Cardiovascular risk factors should be reviewed carefully in men with vertex baldness, especially younger men" who should "probably be encouraged to improve their cardiovascular risk profile."

But Doireann Maddock, of the British Heart Foundation, said men should not be "alarmed."

She said: “Much more research is needed to confirm any link between male pattern baldness and an increased risk of coronary heart disease. In the meantime, it’s more important to pay attention to your waist line than your hair line.

"Hereditary hair loss may be out of your control, but many of the risk factors for coronary heart disease are not.  Stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and being as active as possible are all things that you can do to help protect your heart."

BMJ Open April 4 2013; doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2012-002537.[abstract]

Tags: Asia | Dermatology | Heart Health | Men's Health | UK News

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