While Transitions usually likes to keep our blog entries upbeat and inspiring, we want to keep you informed about important research for those who suffer from male pattern baldness or know someone who does.
A new study has found that balding men have a higher risk of developing heart disease than men with a full head of hair. However, this only applies to men with thinning hair on the crown on the head – not just a receding hairline.
The study, published in the online medical journal BMJ Open, examined six previous studies to look for links between hair loss and heart disease. It was found that men with balding on the crown of the head are 32% more likely to develop coronary heart disease than those with no hair loss.
They also found that the strength of the link to heart disease depends on how extreme the baldness is. Severe baldness on the crown of the head was linked to a 48% increased risk of developing heart disease, and moderate hair loss on the crown was associated with a 36% increase in risk. Those with mild baldness on the crown had the lowest risk – linked to an 18% risk increase.
The study also looked at different types of baldness: frontal, crown and combined (both frontal and crown baldness). Men with combined baldness were 69% more likely to have chronic heart disease than those with no hair loss. Those with just crown baldness were 52% more likely. The association was weakest in men with only frontal baldness; 22% more likely to develop heart disease.
The explanation for this link remains unclear, but this could be an important find for identifying people at high risk of developing heart disease, which is responsible for about 15% of deaths each year in Australia.
The researchers suggested some possible reasons for the correlation. One possibility is that established heart disease risk factors like age, smoking and hypertension might also have an effect on balding, and influence both of the conditions. It was also suggested that perhaps male pattern baldness is linked to heart disease through chronic inflammation or increased sensitivity to testosterone.
Click here to learn more about the possible causes of baldness in men. To get informed about the different hair loss solutions available to you, click here. Or call 1300 427 778 now for a free, confidential consultation.
Check out the study directly at the link below:
http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/3/4/e002537.short?g=w_open_current_tab
