Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 6, 2026

Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia
09:17

Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia

Published on: November 6, 2017

22.2K

Central arterial stiffness and retinal vessel calibers: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study-Neurocognitive

Michelle L Meyer1, Barbara E Klein2, Ronald Klein2

  • 1Department of Emergency Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.

Journal of Hypertension
|October 5, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Central arterial stiffness, measured by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), was linked to wider retinal venules in older adults, especially those without hypertension. This suggests arterial stiffening may impact cerebral microvasculature.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Cardiology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • The retinal microvasculature offers insights into cerebral vasculature.
  • Changes in retinal caliber may reflect cerebrovascular disease.
  • The link between central arterial stiffness and retinal vessel caliber is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between central arterial stiffness and retinal vessel caliber in older adults.
  • To investigate if this association differs based on hypertension or type 2 diabetes status.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of 1706 older adults from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.
  • Measured central arterial stiffness using carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV).
  • Assessed retinal vessel calibers (central retinal arteriolar equivalent and central retinal vein equivalent).

Main Results:

  • Carotid-femoral PWV was not associated with narrower retinal arterioles.
  • cfPWV was associated with wider retinal venules, particularly in individuals without hypertension.
  • The association was slightly stronger in those with type 2 diabetes.

Conclusions:

  • Central arterial stiffness is associated with wider retinal venular caliber in older adults, especially those without hypertension.
  • Arterial stiffening may be linked to microvascular changes in the brain, as indicated by the retinal vasculature.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Fundus Photography as a Convenient Tool to Study Microvascular Responses to Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Epidemiological Studies10:11

Fundus Photography as a Convenient Tool to Study Microvascular Responses to Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Epidemiological Studies

Published on: October 22, 2014

19.6K
Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity Cf-PWV to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness05:51

Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity Cf-PWV to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness

Published on: May 3, 2018

18.3K

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
424
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
843
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
290
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation01:21

Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation

Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
311
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
738
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
275