Special age-related macular degeneration indicative of heart disease
Certain forms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) according to a recent study, are closely related to heart diseases and strokes. In the case of corresponding visual disturbances, the ophthalmological examination should therefore be supplemented by a cardiological examination if necessary.
A research team Professor Dr. R. Theodore Smith of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital has investigated whether there is a link between the various Forms of age-related macular degeneration and cardiovascular diseases respectively strokes consists. The results were published in the journal “ Retina” released.
Common cause of blindness
Age-related macular degeneration is the most common cause of visual disturbances and blindness in people over 65 years of age. It is the result of damage to the central area of the retina, called the Maculaexplains the research team.
The main form of early AMD are so-called Drusen, which form as small deposits of yellow cholesterol in a layer under the retina. They can deprive the retina of blood and oxygen, leading to loss of sight leads, the researchers report.
However, in some forms of early AMD, the drusen form in a different layer beneath the light-sensitive cells in the retina. This subretinal drusen deposits are, according to experts, less well-known and only recognizable with the help of high-tech retinal images.
While the usual drusen formation can be slowed down by an appropriate vitamin supplement, no treatment approaches are known for the second form.
Analyzed cross-sectional images of the retina
In the current study, the researchers examined 126 patients with AMD using optical coherence tomography (OCT), an advanced imaging system that provides high-resolution cross-sectional images of the retina. Participants also answered questionnaires regarding their medical history, including heart disease and stroke.
of the participants had 62 subretinal drusen deposits and 64 ordinary Druze. Cardiovascular disease or a previous stroke was experienced by 51 of the 126 patients (40 percent), of whom 66 percent suffered from subretinal gland deposits.
In contrast, of the 75 patients with no known history of heart disease or stroke, relatively few (19 percent) had subretinal drusen deposits, the researchers report.
Statistical association with heart disease
Statistically, participants are suffering from cardiovascular disease or a stroke three times more often affected by subretinal drusen deposits than participants without these diseases.
„For the past three decades, researchers have suspected an association between AMD and cardiovascular disease, but no conclusive data has been available to date.”explained Professor Smith.
“We discovered that only one form of AMD, that with subretinal drusen deposits, is closely associated with high-risk vascular disease, while the other form, known as drusen, is not”the study author continues.
The researchers suspect the reason for the connection Circulatory impairments of the eye, which occur in cardiovascular diseases and lead to subretinal drusen deposits.
New biomarker for screening?
The findings are of great importance for public health and might make screening for corresponding diseases significantly easier Professor Dr. Jagat Narula von der Icahn School of Medicine am Mount Sinai.
If the specific form of AMD with subretinal drusen deposits is diagnosed during an ophthalmological examination, the affected person can have a significant undetected heart disease or possibly one narrowing of the carotid artery present, which can lead to a stroke.
The researchers recommend that those affected should be referred to a cardiologist at an early stage in order to improve standard treatment. If the study results are confirmed in further investigations, the subretinal drusen deposits may also be Risk fields usable.
“This study demonstrates that AMD is not a single or isolated disease, but often a signal of a systemic dysfunction that might benefit from targeted medical evaluation in addition to local eye treatment.”summarizes Dr. Richard B. Rosen, Head of Mount Sinai Health System’s Retina Service. (fp)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the specifications of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Sources:
- Mount Sinai School of Medicine: Blinding eye disease is strongly associated with heart disease and stroke (veröffentlicht 12.07.2022), mountsinai.org
- Robert J. Thomson, Joshua Chazaro, Oscar Otero-Marquez , Gerardo Ledesma-Gil, Yuehong Tong, Arielle C. Coughlin, Zachary R. Teibel, Sharmina Alauddin, Katy Tai, Harriet Lloyd, Maria Scolaro, Arun Govindaiah, Alauddin Bhuiyan, Mandip S. Dhamoon, Avnish Deobhakta, Jagat Narula, Richard B. Rosen, Lawrence A. Yannuzzi, K. Bailey Freund, R Theodore Smith: SUBRETINAL DRUSENOID DEPOSITS AND SOFT DRUSEN – Are They Markers for Distinct Retinal Diseases?; in: Retina (veröffentlicht 01.07.2022), lww.com
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.
