A scan performed during routine eye tests could identify patients at high risk of a heart attack, according to a study by researchers at Edinburgh University. The findings, presented at the European Society of Human Genetics conference, suggest that retinal imaging can generate a personalised risk score for each patient.
The risk score combines information about blood vessel patterns in the retina with genetic data, age, sex, blood pressure and weight. The analysis drew on records from the UK Biobank, which contains medical information on 500,000 individuals. The model was better at predicting heart attack risk than current methods, the researchers said.
Researcher Ana Villaplana-Velasco explained that lower fractal dimension—simplified vessel branching patterns—is linked to coronary artery disease and heart attacks. She noted that different retinal vessel patterns could also indicate risk of diabetes and stroke. The average age for a heart attack is 60, so risk calculation would be appropriate from age 50.
The study's authors believe the scans could allow doctors to intervene early with advice on smoking, exercise, or prescribing drugs for cholesterol and high blood pressure. Professor Alexandre Reymond, conference chairman, said the study highlights the importance of prevention and personalised health.
However, one expert cautioned that the need to include genetic data might limit the method's practical use.
