Electrocardiogram Findings in Patients with Alopecia Areata

Introduction: While autoimmune comorbidities are common in alopecia areata, little is known about comorbid cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of bradyarrhythmia in patients with alopecia areata. Methods: Retrospective review of electrocardiograms of 124 patients with >= 50% scalp hair loss (severe alopecia areata) was conducted and compared to National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. Results: The prevalence of bradycardia in females with alopecia areata was 24.3% (95% CI, 14.5-34.1%) and in those age 40 years or older was 40.8% (95% CI, 22.2-53.5%) compared to 19.5% in the NHANES III population. The prevalence of bradycardia in males with alopecia areata was 36.0% (95% CI, 22.7-49.3%) and in those age 40 years or older was 50.0% (95% CI, 21.7-78.3%) compared to 26.9% in the NHANES III population. Conclusion: The potential association between bradycardia and alopecia areata merits further investigation.