The risk of coronary heart disease in men with androgenetic alopecia.

Background: The meaningful association of androgenetic alopecia and coronary heart disease has been well documented, but few studies have focused on the importance of lipid parameters, such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, lipoprotein (a), apolipoprotein A1 and apolipoprotein B in patients with androgenetic alopecia.

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the relation between androgenetic alopecia and coronary heart disease and to determine the significance of certain lipid parameters on this relationship.

Subjects: Forty-one men with vertex type androgenetic alopecia (study group) and 36 men, age-matched, with normal hair status (control group) were the subjects of this study.

Results: We found significant differences in serum lipoprotein (a) and triglyceride levels between the study and control groups (P < 0.05). Forty-seven percent of patients and 30% of controls had a lipoprotein (a) level more than 30 mg/dl higher than the level critical for atherosclerotic heart disease.

Conclusion: Dermatologists should investigate lipid profile, especially lipoprotein (a), of patients with androgenetic alopecia and refer to a cardiologist if necessary.