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Obesity, Blood Pressure, and Retinal Vessels: A Meta-analysis

Sabrina Köchli1, Katharina Endes1, Denis Infanger1

  • 1Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel-Stadt, Switzerland.

Pediatrics
|May 11, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity and high blood pressure are linked to changes in retinal blood vessels. These retinal changes may help identify children at higher cardiovascular risk.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatrics
  • Cardiovascular Health

Background:

  • Retinal vessel imaging is a noninvasive method for assessing cardiovascular risk.
  • Childhood obesity and elevated blood pressure (BP) are linked to microvascular changes in the retina.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and meta-analyze the association between obesity, BP, and physical activity with retinal vessel diameters in children.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, etc.).
  • Data from 22 eligible articles, including 18,865 children and adolescents, were analyzed.
  • A meta-analysis was performed on 11 selected studies.

Main Results:

  • Higher Body Mass Index (BMI) correlated with narrower retinal arterioles and wider venules.
  • Elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) were associated with narrower retinal arterioles.
  • Increased physical activity was linked to more favorable retinal vessel diameters.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood obesity, elevated BP, and physical inactivity are associated with retinal microvascular abnormalities.
  • Retinal vessel diameters show potential as biomarkers for cardiovascular risk stratification in pediatric populations.
Abstract

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