DOES BALDNESS IN MEN INDICATE HEART PROBLEMS?

In 2012, researchers at Tokyo University conducted a study involving 37,000 men with varying degrees and patterns of baldness to examine the link between hair loss in men and the increased risk of coronary heart disease in those with more pronounced baldness. The participants ranged in age from twenty to sixty years.

The researchers reviewed 850 studies conducted worldwide, ultimately narrowing them down to six significant studies carried out between 1993 and 2008, tracking participants for an average of eleven to fourteen years. Scientists from Tokyo University then carefully analyzed these studies and arrived at some interesting conclusions.

They found that the more bald a man is, the greater the likelihood he will develop coronary heart disease or atherosclerosis in his lifetime. The risk percentage ranges from 18 to 48 percent, depending on the extent of hair loss and the individual’s age. However, the risk was notably higher only in those who developed baldness on the crown and in younger men; men who were bald only at the front of the scalp did not show an increased risk compared to the general population.

The reasons behind these findings are not fully understood. Researchers speculate that it may involve testosterone levels in the blood and cellular receptor sensitivity to testosterone, specifically to its active form, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). They found that the same enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT, which can attach to hair follicles and gradually lead to their atrophy, might react similarly in coronary arteries, causing cholesterol and other substances to accumulate on the artery walls. These blockages slowly restrict blood flow, which can eventually lead to a heart attack. Although the exact process is not fully mapped out, studies show a link between baldness and conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and prostate cancer.

Although these findings may seem concerning—since four out of seven men are likely to experience some degree of baldness by the age of fifty—this does not mean that all will suffer heart issues. The likelihood of developing atherosclerosis is considerably higher in men who smoke, lead a sedentary lifestyle, have high blood pressure, etc. Additionally, the research and understanding of the connections between these various conditions are still developing. Accelerated hair loss can be one of several indicators that prompt us to lead a healthy lifestyle and engage in regular physical activity. Only through a healthy lifestyle and, above all, a balanced diet, can we help prevent plaque buildup, clogged arteries, and ultimately heart attacks.