Baldness affects millions of people, both men and women, around the world. It’s not just the lack of hair on the head that is concerning, but a growing body of research indicates a link between baldness and cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease is a group of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. The link between baldness and cardiovascular disease is not entirely understood, but several theories attempt to explain the relationship.

In this article, we’ll be examining the connection between baldness and cardiovascular disease and what it may mean for your health.

Baldness and Heart Disease: What Does the Research Show?

The relationship between baldness and heart disease has been extensively studied. A 2013 study published in the British Medical Journal found that men with male pattern baldness were 32% more likely to develop coronary artery disease than those without.

The study examined over 40,000 men within a ten-year period and found that the risk increased with the severity of baldness. Another 2013 study, published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine, found a positive correlation between baldness and an increased risk of myocardial infarction (a heart attack).

The study followed over 2,000 men with baldness and found that they had a 70% greater risk of developing a heart attack than those without baldness.

Types of Baldness and Their Connection to Cardiovascular Disease

Not all types of baldness are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Male-pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) and alopecia areata are the two types of hair loss that have been linked to heart disease.

Male-Pattern Baldness

Male-pattern baldness is the most common type of baldness. It’s characterized by a receding hairline and thinning at the crown (vertex) of the head.

Male-pattern baldness is linked to elevated levels of androgens, the male sex hormones responsible for masculine traits. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone, is the hormone responsible for male-pattern baldness. Studies have found that men with high levels of DHT have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

DHT has been linked to an increased risk of hypertension, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss that affects about 2% of the world population. It’s an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss.

The exact cause of alopecia areata is unknown, but it’s thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Studies have found that individuals with alopecia areata have a higher risk of developing autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, which are also risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Theories Explaining the Relationship between Baldness and Cardiovascular Disease

Several theories have been proposed to explain the relationship between baldness and cardiovascular disease.

The most common explanation is that baldness and heart disease share common risk factors, such as hypertension, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. These risk factors increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and may also contribute to hair loss.

Another theory proposes that genetics plays a role in both baldness and heart disease. Genetic factors may determine the susceptibility to baldness and cardiovascular disease.

A study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Genetics found that genetic variants associated with male-pattern baldness were also associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction.

A third theory argues that baldness is a sign of androgen exposure, which is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Androgens, such as testosterone and DHT, have been linked to the development of arterial plaques, which can lead to heart disease.

What Can You Do to Lower Your Risk?

While the link between baldness and cardiovascular disease is still not entirely understood, there are steps you can take to lower your risk of heart disease:.

Adopt a heart-healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy products.
Exercise regularly. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
Maintain a healthy weight. Losing just 5% to 10% of your body weight can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease.
Quit smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease.
Manage stress. Stress can contribute to high blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease.

Conclusion

Baldness and cardiovascular disease share a complex relationship.

While the exact connection between the two is still not entirely understood, research has consistently found a positive correlation between baldness and an increased risk of heart disease. If you’re concerned about your risk of heart disease, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk.