The ‘meta-analysis’ looked at six other studies from America and Europe, which altogether studied over 35,000 men. The results have been published through online journal BMJ Open.

The analysis suggests a link between the risk of CHD and varying levels of baldness. Those with mild vertex balding were found to only have an 18% higher risk than a man with a full head of hair, jumping as high as a 69% higher risk for individuals with severe frontal and vertex balding.

Overall, however, the studies showed no major link between CHD and frontal baldness, with vertex balding on the other hand being “significantly associated with an increased risk of CHD among participants of all ages and also among younger men.”

Risk factors

The University of Tokyo researchers state that “the association between baldness and CHD is unclear”, although factors such as age and smoking may influence both conditions. Furthermore, previous studies have suggested potential links between baldness and conditions such as hypertension and insulin resistance, further risk factors for CHD.

While male pattern baldness affects 30-40% of men, commentators have suggested there's no need for immediate concern, with the results of the Tokyo study merely a first step towards further research on the topic. The researchers themselves suggest a need for further “well-designed and controlled” studies to further examine the perceived link between CHD and male-pattern baldness, with an analysis of the other cardiovascular risk factors that are likely to affect any given individual – bald or otherwise.

As reported by The Guardian, cardiac nurse Doireann Maddock said that the results are interesting, but unless definitive links between CHD and baldness are discovered “it's more important to pay attention to your waistline than your hairline.”