In a nutshell
This study examined whether hypertensive retinopathy (eye damage caused by high blood pressure) could act as an independent predictor of the risk for strokes.
Some background
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for the development of strokes. Strokes often occur in hypertensive patients when an artery which supplies blood to the brain is blocked or ruptured. Still, it remains difficult to predict which patients with high blood pressure are at a highest risk of developing a stroke. Therefore, many studies are focusing on revealing additional risk factors that may aid physicians in predicting stroke risk among hypertensive patients. Previous studies have shown an association between retinopathy and the risk of strokes, especially among diabetic patients. However, this correlation among patients with hypertension remains poorly investigated.
Methods & findings
A total of 2,907 patients diagnosed with hypertension took part in this study. 1,501 patients were found to suffer from some degree of retinopathy on eye examination. During an average follow up of 13 years, 165 patients developed a stroke. Following analysis researchers concluded that hypertensive patients exhibiting retinopathy have 2.3 times more chance of developing a stroke than patients without any degree of eye damage. This increased risk was also noted among patients with blood pressure which was well controlled under antihypertensive medication.
The bottom line
This study concluded that retinopathy may be used to predict long-term stroke risk among hypertensive patients.
What’s next?
Due to the simplicity and low cost of standard eye examinations, hypertensive patients may benefit from routine eye exams to determine disease progression and the risk of serious complications.
Published By :
Hypertension
Date :
Aug 12, 2013
