Vascular Failure
Online ISSN : 2432-4477
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Risk factors for early atherosclerotic changes in the retinal arterioles in healthy middle-aged men
Masataka MineNobuyuki MasakiBonpei TakaseTakeshi Adachi
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JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2023 Volume 7 Issue 1 Pages 24-28

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Abstract

Introduction: Retinal atherosclerosis is preceded by metabolic abnormalities and lifestyle factors. However, the most sensitive biomarkers remain unknown.

Purpose: We sought to elucidate the status of retinal arterioles in healthy men who were not treated for hypertension or metabolic diseases.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 733 consecutively enrolled healthy male volunteers (age, 46 ± 4 years). Fasting morning urine and blood samples were collected. Alcohol consumption and smoking status were assessed. Using the Scheie classification, fundus findings were interpreted as hypertensive and/or sclerotic changes (H/S group) or as normal (controls).

Result: Retinal arterioles were normal in 680 participants (controls), but showed hypertensive (n = 8) or sclerotic (n = 52) changes in 53 (H/S group), with overlapping hypertensive and sclerotic changes in 7. The H/S group patients were older and had a higher body mass index, systolic/diastolic blood pressure, uric acid, hemoglobin A1c, smoking index, alcohol consumption values, and a lower serum amylase level than the controls. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed significant associations between the H/S group and age (p < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (p < 0.001), uric acid levels (p = 0.011), and serum amylase levels (p = 0.010).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that high systolic blood pressure, high serum uric acid concentration, and low serum amylase level may aid the early detection of retinal atherosclerosis.

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© 2023 Japan Society for Vascular Failure
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