WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Hair graying, which is due to the progressive loss of a pigment called 'melanin', is a natural part of aging. The rate of graying of our hair depends on our genetics.
A study conducted by Cairo University researchers has found that gray hair is associated with an increased risk of heart disease in men.
The study involved 545 adult men who underwent a multi-slice computed tomography coronary angiography for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. The study subjects were divided into different subgroups based on the percentage of gray hairs.
According to the study results, about 80 percent of the study subjects had coronary artery disease, and in this group, not only were hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia more prevalent but also the hair whitening score was statistically significant.
Commenting on the findings, Irini Samuel, a cardiologist at Egypt's Cairo University said, 'Atherosclerosis and hair graying occur through similar biological pathways and the incidence of both increases with age. Our findings suggest that, irrespective of chronological age, hair graying indicates biological age and could be a warning sign of increased cardiovascular risk.'
The study is published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.
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