Is there a link between baldness and heart health?

Baldness is often considered a mere cosmetic concern. But guess what? It is more than a matter of appearance. Your body is hinting at something. For decades, baldness, especially in men, has been dismissed as an aesthetic concern. But it could potentially be a sign of poor heart health. Yes, that’s right. Research has shown a deep association between baldness and elevated chances of heart disease. Take a look.

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A 2013 study published in the BMJ Open journal found an association between male pattern baldness and coronary heart disease (CHD). To understand the link, the researchers analysed 850 studies (1950–2012). Only 6 met the eligibility criteria (published between 1993 and 2008), and it involved just 40,000 men. The cohort study results found that men with severe hair loss were 32% more likely to develop CHD. In men under the age of 55-60, bald/extensively balding men were 44% more likely to develop coronary artery disease. The study also showed that balding men were 70% more likely to have heart disease, and those in younger age groups were 84% more likely to do so.

The study found that the severity of baldness was also linked with the risk of coronary heart disease. "Our findings suggest that vertex baldness is more closely associated with systemic atherosclerosis than with frontal baldness," the researchers said. They added, "Thus, 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."

A 2017 study from India found that male-pattern baldness and premature greying are associated with a more than fivefold risk of heart disease before the age of 40 years. Male-pattern baldness was tied to a 5.6 times greater risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) in men under 40, while premature greying of hair was linked to a 5.3 times greater risk of CAD.

"The incidence of coronary artery disease in young men is increasing but cannot be explained by traditional risk factors," the lead author said. "Premature greying and androgenic alopecia (male-pattern baldness) correlate well with vascular age irrespective of chronological age and are plausible risk factors for coronary artery disease," the researchers added.

The researchers stressed the growing body of evidence linking baldness and premature greying to heart disease. "Baldness and premature greying should be considered risk factors for coronary artery disease. These factors may indicate biological, rather than chronological, age, which may be important in determining total cardiovascular risk. Currently, physicians use common sense to estimate biological age, but a validated scale is needed,” the scientists said.

“Men with premature greying and androgenic alopecia should receive extra monitoring for coronary artery disease and advice on lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, exercise, and stress management. Our study found associations, but a causal relationship needs to be established before statins can be recommended for men with baldness or premature greying,” they added.