Health Happenings

Baldness May Indicate Heart Problems, But Are We Missing the Point?

A recent study has determined that men who are losing their hair on the crowns of their heads are up to 36% more likely to experience heart problems such as heart attacks and bypass surgery. According to the study, the greater the hair loss, the greater the risk. But a receding hairline without baldness at the crown apparently does not indicate increased risk.

Some scientists, however, say studies like these miss the point completely. According to Dr. Phillip Greenland of Northwestern University, "Papers like this actually divert attention from the primary message. About 80 to 90 percent of what we need to prevent heart disease is already known. The problem is that addressing those behaviors is something a lot of Americans don’t want to do, so they are looking for other excuses."