Baldness increases risk of heart disease

A study of almost 40,000 men showed a 32% increased risk of heart disease in men who had male pattern hair loss affecting the crown. Men with frontal baldness did not have an increased risk. This risk applied to young men too. The full article can be found here.  The full reason for this is unclear but may be in relation to increased sensitivity to testosterone in men who have male pattern hair loss.

Dr Martin-Clavijo of the Midland Skin Institute comments, “It will be interesting to see if the increased risk is reduced by the use of selective anti-testosterone treatments such as Finasteride, which have been licensed for male pattern hair loss. Minimising heart disease risk with exercise, healthy eating and smoke avoidance will be all the more important for men with pattern loss in light of this study.”