Carotid Intima Media Thickness Measurement in Alopecia Areata Patients
January 2025
in “
Dermatologic Therapy
”
TLDR Alopecia areata patients don't have increased atherosclerosis risk, but may have higher cardiovascular risk due to smoking, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
This study examined the risk of atherosclerosis in 61 alopecia areata (AA) patients compared to 61 healthy controls by measuring carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and assessing cardiovascular risk factors. The results showed no significant differences in CIMT between the two groups, indicating that AA patients do not have an increased risk of subclinical atherosclerosis. However, AA patients had higher diastolic blood pressure and fasting blood glucose levels, suggesting potential cardiovascular risk. The study also noted a higher prevalence of smoking and family history of coronary artery disease among AA patients, highlighting lifestyle and genetic factors that could contribute to cardiovascular risk. Further longitudinal research is needed to explore long-term cardiovascular risks in AA patients.
