Male baldness linked to risk of heart disease, say survey

A study revealed that hair loss in men could be considered an early sign of heart disease.

13:12 05 April 2013

A study conducted by Japanese researchers has found that men who are suffering from excessive hair loss at a relatively young age are at greater heart disease risk. However, this only applies to men whose hair loss occurred on top of the head. Those who are experienced hair loss around their temples were at no greater risk. 

Although researchers admit that the causes of connection between baldness and heart disease remains unclear, they agree that baldness, especially at a very young age, could be a symptom of insulin resistance, chronic inflammation or heightened sensitivity to testosterone. 

 

Considering all the evidence, the study concluded that extensive baldness on the crown increase the risk by 48per cent, moderate baldness by 36per cent, and mild baldness by 18per cent. 

 

However, DoireannMaddock, Senior Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation said that bald men shouldn’t be alarmed. She said: “Although these findings are interesting, men who’ve lost their hair should not be alarmed by this analysis. 

 

“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."