Iranian Heart Journal

Iranian Heart Journal

The Degree of Hair Graying as an Independent Risk Marker for Coronary Artery Disease: A Coronary Angiographic Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Ahmed Ibrahim Bedier 1
Abdulrazik Abdullatif Maaty 1
Manar Sallam 2
Eman Elsayed Tawfeek 3
1 Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Dakahlia, Egypt.
2 Dermatology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Dakahlia, Egypt.
3 Cardiology Department, Ministry of Health, Dakahlia, Egypt.
Abstract
Background and Aim: Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Graying hair, a visible indicator of aging, is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Dermatological signs, such as hair graying, may reflect an elevated coronary risk, as age is an unavoidable risk factor for CAD. This study aimed to evaluate the extent of hair graying as an independent risk marker for CAD.
 
Methods: In an observational cross-sectional study, 100 patients with suspected CAD (presenting with chest discomfort) underwent coronary angiography at the Cardiovascular Departments of Mansoura University Hospitals and Mansour Specialized Medical Hospital between August 2020 and August 2021.
 
Results: A statistically significant positive association was observed between the presence of xanthelasma and the risk factors of smoking (72.2%), diabetes (58.3%), dyslipidemia (100%), and family history of CAD (50%). Additionally, a statistically significant positive association was found between the presence of xanthelasma and the Gensini score, with 80.6% of individuals with xanthelasma exhibiting atherosclerotic CAD and a Gensini score < 20. However, the relationship between the presence of xanthelasma and the hair whitening score was nonsignificant (P = 0.703).
 
Conclusions: In our cohort, an elevated hair whitening score was associated with a higher likelihood of developing CAD, independent of chronological age and other conventionally recognized cardiovascular risk factors. This preliminary study suggests a relationship between CAD and hair graying. It is plausible that hair graying should be considered a coronary risk factor and utilized for identifying individuals at higher risk. (Iranian Heart Journal 2025; 26(2): 49-65)
Keywords
Cardiovascular
Coronary angiography
Coronary artery disease
Hair graying
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Iranian Heart Journal
Volume 26, Issue 2
Spring 2025
Pages 49-65