Coronary artery disease is generally linked with smoking and high cholesterol levels. However, a 2017 study of more than 2,000 men under the age of 40 at U.N. Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre found male pattern baldness and premature graying to be associated with heart disease.

What is Coronary Artery Disease?

Coronary artery disease, also called coronary heart disease, occurs when some of the heart’s arteries are obstructed as a result of plaque buildup. This causes the arteries to harden and narrow limiting blood flow to the heart, which may lead to a heart attack. Risk factors for coronary artery disease include high LDL cholesterol (commonly referred to as the “bad” cholesterol), low HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol), high blood pressure, genetics and smoking.

What Did the Study of Heart Disease and Male Pattern Baldness Involve?

The study involved approximately 800 men under the age of 40 who had coronary artery disease as well as nearly 1300 similarly-aged, healthy men who acted as a control group. Everyone in the study underwent clinical tests to determine their levels of coronary artery disease and their levels of male pattern baldness and premature graying.

What Did the Study Find?

In men under the age of 40, both male pattern baldness and premature graying were the greatest predicators of heart disease. Baldness was associated with a 5.6 times higher risk of coronary artery disease, while graying prematurely was associated with 5.3 times the risk. To put those figures into perspective, obesity was associated with a 4.1 times greater risk of coronary artery disease.

Does Heart Disease Cause Hair Loss?

Heart disease does not necessarily cause hair loss, or the other way around. The study showed a statistical relationship between male pattern baldness, premature graying and coronary artery disease. While the conditions are linked, additional studies with a larger population are needed to determine if there’s causation.

What You Can Do About Hair Loss

Managing coronary artery disease can be difficult enough without having to deal with the additional stress of thinning hair. While you should talk to your doctor about your risk of heart disease, the good news is you don’t have to accept losing your hair. You have options. Since 1976, we’ve been helping people restore their hair and transform their lives. With a variety of customizable options, we can tailor one of our proven solutions just for you. Schedule your free consultation with one of our hair loss experts today and take the next step toward a full head of hair.

For informational purposes only. Hair Club is not associated with U.N. Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre. The information presented herein is general in nature and is not intended to substitute the advice of a physician or other health care professional. The exact cause of hair loss can only be determined by a medical professional.