Choroidal thickness in patients with cardiovascular disease: A review
Shanna C Yeung1, Yuyi You2, Kathryn L Howe3
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Insights
Choroidal thickness changes correlate with cardiovascular diseases. This review explores how conditions like hypertension and heart disease impact the choroid, potentially aiding in noninvasive cardiovascular screening.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cardiology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- The choroid, a vascular layer of the retina, is crucial for oxygen and nutrient supply.
- Previous research suggests links between choroidal thickness alterations and cardiovascular pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize current knowledge on the relationship between choroidal thickness and cardiovascular diseases.
- To highlight key findings and potential clinical implications.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing literature.
- Analysis of studies investigating choroidal thickness in relation to various cardiovascular conditions.
Main Results:
- Acute hypertension is associated with increased choroidal thickness.
- Chronic hypertension, heart failure, coronary artery disease, and carotid artery stenosis are linked to decreased choroidal thickness.
- Hyperlipidemia correlates with thickening, while caffeine intake correlates with thinning; smoking and exercise effects are mixed.
Conclusions:
- Choroidal thickness changes are associated with cardiovascular disease.
- Further research could establish choroidal thickness as a noninvasive screening or prognostic tool for cardiovascular conditions.
- Investigating the impact of cardiovascular disease treatments on the choroid is warranted.
Abstract:
The choroid is a vascular network that supplies the bulk of the retina's oxygen and nutrient supply. Prior studies have associated changes in the thickness of the choroid with the presence of various cardiovascular diseases. This is the first review that summarizes current knowledge on the relationship between choroidal thickness and cardiovascular diseases while highlighting important findings. Acute hypertension increases choroidal thickness. Chronic hypertension and heart failure may decrease choroidal thickness, but controversy exists. Both coronary artery disease and carotid artery stenosis result in decreased choroidal thickness and blood flow. Carotid endarterectomy may reverse these changes. Choroidal thickening in early stages of carotid stenosis may arise from mechanisms compensating for ischemia. Hyperlipidemia is linked to choroidal thickening, while caffeine intake is linked to choroidal thinning. The effects of smoking and exercise are mixed. Changes in choroidal thickness have been linked to cardiovascular disease. Clarity regarding these changes could lead to the use of choroidal thickness changes as a noninvasive screening or prognostic test for pathological cardiovascular changes. Future studies should also investigate the effect of cardiovascular disease treatments on the choroid.
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