Maintaining blood pressure within the normal range is essential for a healthy body. Research states that one in every three adults has hypertension. It has also been estimated that just 12% of Indian adults have their blood pressure under control. Both high and low blood pressure levels can be unsafe for your health and your life. The cardiovascular system, kidneys and brain are among the systems that are affected by high blood pressure. Well, these are some of the most common organs affected due to high BP. But, have you heard of high blood pressure hair loss?
Are high blood pressure and hair loss connected? Let's understand the true link between blood pressure and hair loss!
Does High Blood Pressure Cause Hair Loss?
Receding hairline, thinning, or loss of hair are some of the common signs of ageing. While many youngsters experience it in their 20s, it is not a symptom or indicator of high blood pressure. A study stated that the incidence of vertex pattern baldness was higher in men with hypertension (vertical pattern hair loss is the loss at the crown of people with stage 3 hypertension).
It was earlier presumed that high blood pressure restricts blood supply to the hair follicles, causing loss of hair. But, it has now been found that the primary factor of hair loss in people with hypertension is not because of the condition but the medications used to treat it. Blood pressure pills and hair loss can be connected to some extent.
Along with the effects of hypertensive medications, being anxious all the time can put an excessive amount of stress affecting blood pressure and negatively impacting hair health.
Here's how stress can cause hair loss:
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Stress constricts blood vessels, restricting the blood supply to hair follicles.
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Hair follicles cannot get a constant and adequate supply of nutrients and oxygen required for good hair health.
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Decreased nutrients cause hair to become thinner, lose shine and eventually fall.
Medications that Can Cause Hair Loss?
Hypertensive medications are of many types and each one works differently. One type of hypertension medicine is blood thinners, and it is this group that is responsible for hair loss or alopecia. A few drugs in this group include heparin and warfarin.
Other groups of anti-hypertensives that are known to cause hair loss include:
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Diuretics
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Beta-blockers
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Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
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Calcium channel blockers
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Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
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Cholesterol-lowering medications
However, the better part is that hair loss due to hypertensive medication is reversible and the hair fall reduces once the medication has been stopped. Though your anti-hypertensive medications may be the cause of your increased hair loss, you must consult your doctor about it. Do not discontinue any medication without asking your doctor.
Treating Hair Loss Due to High Blood Pressure
Losing hair can be distressing and most people wish for their hair to grow back. If you are worried about losing your hair due to hypertension medication, here's the good news: your hair loss is reversible. Here are some ways to manage hair loss due to high blood pressure:
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Discontinue the medication that may be causing hair loss only after consulting your physician.
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Visit a dermatologist and, along with your physician, determine the best possible alternative for your hypertension medications.
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Eat a healthy, protein-rich diet for your hair.
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Ensure you get regular exercise to help release endorphins or the ‘feel-good’ hormones and lower your stress levels.
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Practice meditation or mindfulness to lower stress and anxiety levels that may add to your hair woes.
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Take additional supplements if required to help your hair follicles.
Once you discontinue the medication, it may take a few months before you notice reduced hair fall and growth of new healthy hair.
Minoxidil: An Antihypertensive That Promotes Hair Growth
Another commonly-used treatment that may help reverse your hair loss is the topical minoxidil application. It is interesting to note that minoxidil is a vasodilator drug used to treat hypertension but is one of the most commonly used medications for male pattern baldness and other causes of hair loss. How minoxidil promotes hair growth is unknown, but it is routinely used for sudden or patchy hair loss.
Takeaway
High blood pressure can affect different body systems. One of the lesser-known effects of high blood pressure is hair loss caused due to anti-hypertensive medications. It is extremely important to keep a check on your BP to avoid body imbalance. If you are someone who is experiencing hair loss, take a hair test at Traya today and book your appointment.
FAQ
Q1 - Can Low Blood Pressure Cause Hair Loss?Normal blood pressure ensures oxygen and nutrients in the blood reach all the cells in the body, including the hair follicles. High blood pressure levels have been associated with increased hair loss. Earlier, it was presumed that high blood pressure causes constriction of blood vessels, depriving hair follicles of necessary nutrition, and eventually causing hair fall.
However, current studies state that it's not hypertension but the medications for the condition that are causing hair fall. There isn't enough evidence that high blood pressure leads to hair loss, especially in women.
Q2 - What Blood Pressure Makes Hair Fall Out?When it comes to hair fall, it is often associated with high blood pressure. However, unlike what is believed, high blood pressure does not make your hair fall out. It is, in fact, the high blood pressure medications that can cause the problem.
Q3 - Does Blood Pressure Medication Help With Hair Loss?Some classes of high blood pressure medication are known to cause hair loss. However, one anti-hypertensive that helps hair regrowth is minoxidil.
Q4 - Is Hair Loss From High Blood Pressure Reversible?Hair loss due to antihypertensives is an uncommon side effect of these medications. It may take some time for the increase in hair loss due to these medications. The good news is that your hair fall is reversible, and the hair will start growing back once the medication is stopped. However, it may take a few months for the hair fall to reduce after discontinuing these medications.
Q5 - Can Heart Problems Cause Your Hair To Fall Out?A few studies have stated that people with heart conditions like coronary artery disease( CAD) have high scores for baldness, receding hair line and a greater risk for high blood pressure. While heart problems do not directly cause hair loss, they may have a few common factors with hair fall, such as stress, high blood cholesterol levels, and high blood pressure.
References:
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https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/485209
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https://www.rxlist.com/minoxidil-side-effects-drug-center.htm#consumer
