Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30
Coronavirus FAQs
Questions about cover for coronavirus? Read our FAQs and find out what our policies can do for you. If you would like to contact us, please note we are currently only available 09:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday due to reduced operational capacity. Thank you.
11 April 2017 08:59
Scientists have suggested that going grey might be linked to heart disease
People who are beginning to notice signs of grey hair have more to worry about than their image.
That's according to a new study that suggests a link between grey hair and heart disease.
Researchers at Cairo University have linked hair whitening to a heightened risk of damage to arteries supplying the heart with blood.
They also suggested greying hair has a biological impact on coronary heart disease. These include impaired DNA repair, oxidative stress, inflammation, hormonal changes and the halting of cell growth.
More research needed
Researchers say in the future hair colour could provide an advanced warning as to whether someone was at risk of heart problems. Anyone who has suffered heart problems can arrange specialist medical travel insurance.
Experts at the British Heart Foundation however called for more research into any potential link and urged people worried about their heart health to see their GP.
A biological link?
More than 500 men who had been suspected of suffering coronary artery disease took part in the study. It found that those with grey hair had arteries that were more damaged. Those with more grey hair had an increased risk of coronary artery disease.
Dr Irini Samuel, a cardiologist at Cairo University in Egypt, said: "Atherosclerosis (artery disease) and hair greying occur through similar biological pathways and the incidence of both increases with age.
"Our findings suggest that, irrespective of chronological age, hair greying indicates biological age and could be a warning sign of increased cardiovascular risk."
Emily Reeve, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: "A much larger study is needed before we start using hair colour as a measure of heart disease risk. If you're over 40 and worried about your heart health you should ask your GP for a free health check."
The research was presented at EuroPrevent 2017, the annual meeting of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology.
09 March 2020
Move over hot cross buns and chocolate eggs, there's a whole world of Easter treats out there. Here are some alternative Easter foods from around the world.
[more...]
Forget egg hunts and bunnies, Easter's done a little bit differently in these corners of the world. Here five alternative Easter celebrations.
28 February 2020
Keep your carbon footprint in check and travel green with our eco-friendly travel tips.
25 February 2020
For true carefree travel, decide on a destination that's kinder to the planet...
20 February 2020
Travel into the future and not just through time-zones, with destinations shaping urban living.
National Anthem Day falls on the 3rd March, so what better excuse is there to delve into into the world of music and motherland?
Discover five alternative places to get down on one knee this leap year.
Two-wheels are better than none. Check out our favourite cities best explored from a saddle.
04 February 2020
Make your phone the perfect travel companion for the new year...
Bohemian boulevards and ornate opera houses await away from the Six Nations action.
Kite Flying Day falls on 8th February. What better time is there to plan your next trip through the skies?
10 February 2020
With Ferris Wheel Day on 14th February, there's never been a better excuse to enjoy a foreign skyline.