In a survey, 61% of those who had coronary episodes were balding

Out of the total number of doctors questioned, 1,500 had experienced a coronary event - and of those, 62% were balding.

Whats more, the type of baldness also seemed to have an impact on the likelihood to develop heart disease.

Those with frontal baldness had a 9% increased chance of getting heart disease.

And compared to men with no hair loss, men whose crowns were completely bald had a 36% greater risk of having a coronary event, including a heart attack and angina.

Men with mild crown balding had a 23% greater risk, rising to 32% when balding became moderate.

The study said there were several potential explanations for the link.

One theory centres on the elevated levels of male hormones associated with baldness.

Receding hairlines bode slightly better than bald spots

Bald men seem to have a greater number of androgen receptors in their scalps , and androgens may contribute to both atheroscelrosis - build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries - and thrombosis, a susceptibility to blood clots.

Researchers also say that heart disease and baldness may be inherited together.

And they recommended that bald men should be monitored more closely for heart problems.

Author Paulo Lotufo said: "Although early vertex baldness may be a non-modifiable risk factor for coronary heart disease, it may serve as a useful clinical marker to identify men at increased risk who may benefit from aggressive screening and primary prevention efforts directed toward other known modifiable risk factors for coronary heart disease."

But heart health campaigners say that the research detracts from the real reasons for heart disease - poor diet, smoking and sedentary lifestyles.