Hair is a critical component of our appearance and matching hairstyle improves our look. But, hair also reflects our inner health. Hair health can be used as an indicator of overall health and nutrition status.
However, very few people realize that your hair can give a warning sign that something is wrong with your heart.
The Link between Hair Loss and Heart Disease Risk
Hair loss is not just the result of aging, and genetics can also be a significant reason behind hair loss. However, hair loss can also give a warning sign that something is wrong with your heart.
Research shows that the health of your hair can be related to the health of your heart, and hair loss can be linked to heart disease, at least in men.
The presence of male pattern baldness in men before the age of forty raises the risk of developing coronary artery disease by up to 34%, compared to men with full hair.
In one study, men who lost the most hair before the age of thirty-five had a 40% higher risk of developing coronary artery disease than men with minimal hair loss before the same age group.
Grey Hair and Heart Health
Grey hair is a sign of aging, and it is natural for people to get grey hair as they get older. However, premature greying of hair can be a warning sign that has nothing to do with aging but has something to do with your heart’s health.
In one study, men who developed premature grey hair before the age of thirty had a 50% higher risk of developing heart disease.
Stress and Heart Health
Stress is a part of our daily lives, and almost everyone experiences it for various reasons. However, excessive stress can damage our health, especially our hearts.
Stress has been linked to high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other related illnesses. Stress can lead to the depletion of vital nutrients in our body, which means that our hair, which is also made of essential proteins and nutrients, could be affected and show visible sign of deterioration.
Hair Care Practices and Heart Health
The products and practices we use for our hair may not directly link to heart health. But some of the products and practices can cause hormonal disruption that can affect hair loss and heart health.
Chemicals used in some hair products such as hair dyes can harm the scalp and become a reason for hair follicles to stop working correctly. This can lead to hair shedding, which may indicate hormonal disruption that can cause heart disease and other illnesses.
Diet and Hair Health
Diet not only impacts our internal function, but it also reflects on our skin, hair and nails.
Hair is made of up to 90% protein, so our diet needs to be nutrient-rich not only to cultivate healthy hair, but it is also a necessary requirement for heart health. A low diet lacking in crucial vitamins and minerals can cause hair loss and affect the health of our heart. Eating a diet rich in healthy fats, protein, and complex carbohydrates can contribute to having healthy hair as well as a healthy heart.
Exercise and Hair Health
Exercise is good for our bodies, and it helps to improve heart health.
But did you know that regular exercise can also be beneficial for our hair? Physical exercise is known to improve circulation, and therefore, the scalp receives an increased supply of oxygen and nutrients leading to stronger hair growth. Exercise has also been shown to help relieve stress, which is good for both hair health and heart health.
Conclusion
Although hair loss can be a natural part of the aging, it can also be a warning sign for heart disease. Hair can tell us about our internal health, and it can be used as an indicator of our overall well-being.
Unhealthy hair can be related to poor heart health, and it’s essential to maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and limit stress to keep healthy hair and hearts..