Relation of hair graying to coronary artery disease
ElFaramawy et al. • Egyptian Heart Journal
Key Finding
Hair whitening independently predicts CAD: OR 1.31 (95% CI 1.09-1.57, p=0.004); patients with CAD had significantly higher HWS (60.1% vs 32.1%, p<0.001)
Key Findings
- 1Hair whitening: OR 1.31 for CAD (p=0.004)
- 2CAD patients: HWS 60.1% vs 32.1% (p<0.001)
- 3Independent of age and traditional risk factors
- 480.6% CAD prevalence in study population
Original title: “The degree of hair graying as an independent risk marker for coronary artery disease, a CT coronary angiography study”
Plain English Summary
Cross-sectional study of 545 males found that hair whitening score (HWS) is an independent predictor of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.09-1.57), along with age, hypertension, and dyslipidemia.
In-Depth Analysis
Abstract
The study investigated whether hair graying serves as an independent risk indicator for coronary artery disease (CAD) beyond chronological age.
Methods
- •Design: Cross-sectional analysis
- •Sample: 545 males
- •Assessment: CT coronary angiography; Hair Whitening Score (HWS: 1-5 scale)
Key Results
- •CAD prevalence: 80.6% of participants; 46.8% had three-vessel disease
- •Patients with CAD showed significantly higher HWS: 60.1% vs 32.1% (p<0.001)
Independent Predictors of Atherosclerotic CAD
- •Age: OR 2.40 (95% CI 1.31–4.39, p=0.004)
- •Hair Whitening Score: OR 1.31 (95% CI 1.09–1.57, p=0.004)
- •Hypertension: OR 1.63 (95% CI 1.03–2.58, p=0.036)
- •Dyslipidemia: OR 1.61 (95% CI 1.02–2.54, p=0.038)
Conclusions
Elevated hair whitening correlated with increased coronary calcification and CAD risk independently of age and traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
Paradigm Relevance
How this study applies to different clinical perspectives:
Standard Medical
Conventional clinical guidelines used by most doctors
Not directly relevant to this paradigm
Research Consensus
RelevantCurrent scientific understanding, often ahead of guidelines
Why it matters:
Hair graying and atherosclerosis may share common biological pathways (oxidative stress, DNA damage). Hair whitening score independently predicts CAD (OR 1.31) beyond traditional risk factors.
Metabolic Optimization
RelevantProactive targets for optimal health, not just disease absence
Why it matters:
Premature hair graying (before age 30) warrants earlier cardiovascular screening. Consider as a visible marker suggesting increased oxidative stress and potential metabolic dysfunction.
Study Details
- Type
- Cohort Study
- Methodology
- Cross-sectional analysis; N=545 males; CT coronary angiography; Hair Whitening Score (HWS) 1-5 scale based on gray/white hair percentage
Evidence Quality
Grade C - Cross-sectional study. Source: PMC5883499
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Original Source
DOI (Digital Object Identifier) is a permanent link to this publication. Unlike website URLs that can change, a DOI always resolves to the correct source.
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