Male pattern baldness affects around 40 percent of adult men. By the time they reach 80, over 80% of men will be bald.
Researchers have begun to investigate whether or not there is a connection between male baldness and coronary heart disease, or CHD. CHD is the result of coronary artery disease, or CAD, where plaque builds up in the arteries inside of the heart, which slows the flow of blood.
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The researchers identified four different types of balding: severe vertex balding, moderate vertex balding, mild vertex balding, and frontal balding. Vertex balding refers to the top, or crown, of the head, and severe vertex balding is the type most associated with an increased risk of CHD.
Interestingly, both baldness and heart disease risk are genetic.
Whether you are just beginning to see thinning hair or are well on your way to becoming a cue ball, there are some things you can do to remain informed about the potential onset of CHD. Just because you’re balding doesn’t mean conclusively that you’re at risk. However, at the very least, baldness means you should ask your doctor about what, if any, heart disease risk factors you may have.
In addition, strive to lead a heart-healthy lifestyle to lower your risk of obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure, including exercising, eating a well-balanced diet and stressing less (and quitting smoking, of course).
