THE University of Edinburgh researchers used to a study available data from the British Biobankwhich includes information from over 500,000 people, choosing the data of those who had had a myocardial infarction, but who had had a retinal examination before the event.
Retina and heart attack: the correlation
They thus discovered that they could better classify people with more or less high heart risks, combining data relating to the blood vessels of the retina with data relating for example to age, blood pressure, body mass index and lifestyle. “The vessels of the retina, which is the only anatomical location where blood flow can be observed in real time, are easy to study” explains Claudio Tondodirector of the Arrhythmology Department of the Monzino Cardiology Institute in Milan.
Ophthalmologist examining patient with slit lamp
“The state of the retinal arteries can reflect the state of the vessels in other districts, such as cardiac or coronary artery disease, and may suggest the presence of a vascular disease or in any case the probability that the person may be considered at risk of developing heart disease. Studies aimed at improving cardiovascular prevention are important, which is fundamental, also because there are risk factors that are not modifiable such as familiaritybut others that must be fought and reduced, for example hypertension, smoking, diabetes, poor motor activity and the type of diet ».
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