Non-invasive eye exams could improve stroke prediction models by analyzing retinal density, complexity, and tortuosity.
Study: Retinal vascular fingerprints predict incident stroke: findings from the UK Biobank cohort study. Image Credit: PeopleImages.com / Yuri a / Shutterstock.com
In a recent study published in Heart, researchers identify how specific features of the retinal vasculature may help predict an individual’s risk of stroke.
Importance of this topic
Every year, about 100 million people experience a stroke, 6.7 million of whom will die as a result of this event. About 90% of strokes arise due to hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, and an unhealthy diet, all of which are modifiable risk factors that respond to lifestyle changes and medication.
The brain vasculature has many features…