Patients with alopecia areata are at risk of endothelial dysfunction: results of a case-control study

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune form of hair loss, which may affect any hair-bearing area. It has been suggested that AA is associated with an increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities.

To evaluate the early predictors of cardiovascular disease [endothelial function (EF) and arterial stiffness (AS)] in patients with AA without prior cardiovascular disease, and compare with healthy controls (HCs).

In total, 52 patients with AA (38 women and 14 men; mean age 41 years, range 30-52 years) and 34 HCs, matched for age, sex and body mass index, were enrolled in the study. EF, expressed as reactive hyperaemia index (RHI), and AS, identified by augmentation index at 75 beats/min (AI@75) were assessed with the use of the Endo-PAT 2000 device. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) was defined as RHI value ≤1.67.

ED was observed in 22 of 52 patients with AA (42%) and in 4 of 34 HCs (12%) (P < 0.01). Moreover, mean RHI was lower in patients with AA compared with HCs (1.90 ± 0.31 vs. 2.11 ± 0.45; P = 0.03). There was no significant difference in AI@75 between patients with AA and HCs.

Patients with AA show abnormalities in early predictors of cardiovascular diseases. Regular cardiovascular screening might be appropriate for patients with AA.