Relationship between androgenetic alopecia and cardiovascular risk factors according to BASP classification in Koreans

Abstract

There have been many studies on the relationship between androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and cardiovascular risk factors, but the study results were inconsistent and research on AGA in Asians remains insufficient. This study investigated the relationship between Korean AGA and various cardiovascular risk factors, considering life habits, type of hair loss and sex. We investigated subjects who visited a hospital for public or industrial health medical examinations between October 2012 and December 2014. A questionnaire as well as anthropometric measurements and a blood test were performed. Among the 1884 total subjects, 52.6% had AGA. AGA patients displayed a significantly higher prevalence rate of cardiovascular diseases, smoking rate, fasting glucose and triglyceride, and a significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level than did the non-AGA group. The results of the subgroup analysis showed higher prevalence rates of hypertension, stroke, metabolic syndrome and smoking in male AGA patients. The more severe the AGA, the higher the incidences of hypertension, diabetes and smoking were observed. According to the analysis results by BASP classification, the F-type AGA patients displayed a higher body mass index, waist circumference and diastolic blood pressure, and had a significantly higher prevalence rate of hypertension. As a result of the large population-based study, modifications in lifestyle and early screening for cardiovascular disease, as well as hypertension and diabetes, are suggested.

The combination of overweight and smoking increases the severity of androgenetic alopecia

“…Although AGA is a nonthreatening condition, AGA severity may be a silent indicator of a greater risk of chronic diseases, in particular cardiovascular diseases. 16 Our study shows that the combination of overweight and smoking is associated with a six- Some studies, but not all, 17 suggest that high BMI (Yang, et al, 2014) and smoking 17,18 are associated with AGA severity More than seven times/week of fruit and more than seven times/week of raw vegetables or cooked vegetables. e High weekly consumption for three or more foods rich in protein (eggs, cheese, meat, fish).…”

“…Some studies, but not all, suggest that high BMI (Yang, et al ., 2014) and smoking are associated with AGA severity among Asian men. The study of Yang (2014) conducted in Taiwan among 189 men showed that high BMI was associated with greater severity of AGA among male subjects (Yang, et al ., 2014), while the study by Su and coworkers (2007) showed that smoking was associated with moderate/severe AGA in males . Our study is the first study that shows that the combination of high BMI and smoking increases the risk of AGA severity among a Caucasian population of both males and females after controlling for potential confounders such as gender, age, education, dietary supplements, and chronic diseases.…”

Evaluation of long‐term efficacy of finasteride in Korean men with androgenetic alopecia using the basic and specific classification system

“…This classification provides a precise description of female pattern hair loss and may be applicable to both male and female patients . The BASP classification was demonstrated to be useful in describing the exact amount and distribution of hair loss in those with patterned hair loss; therefore, it has been utilized in previous studies to investigate the association between the distribution of hair loss and familial factors …”

“…2,3 The BASP classification was demonstrated to be useful in describing the exact amount and distribution of hair loss in those with patterned hair loss; 1 therefore, it has been utilized in previous studies to investigate the association between the distribution of hair loss and familial factors. 4,5 Finasteride 1 mg is an approved treatment for male AGA patients aged 18-40 years. It selectively inhibits type 2-selective 5a-reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which is known to be the main pathogenetic factor of AGA.…”

Modified basic and specific (BASP) classification for pattern hair loss

“…released a more comprehensive basic and specific (BASP) classification that overcame the shortcomings mentioned above and can be widely used regardless of race or gender. The BASP classification is widely used in both clinical and research settings …”