The Eyes Are the Window to the Heart

It is amazing how the body has been made. Though some parts of the body require complex tests to investigate their function, doctors can directly see the veins and arteries in the back of the eye, giving a window of insight into overall cardiovascular health.

You see, the arterial walls get a bit more muscular development (hypertrophy) when there is uncontrolled or undercontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension). The arteries become thicker, just like any other muscular area. Though beefy arteries may sound like a good thing, it results in decreased elasticity, and may even represent subtle development of atherosclerosis.¹ When the heart pumps, a burst of blood moves through the veins. Arteries with elastin degradation are not as able to adapt to the surge in volume. The heart has to work harder with hypertrophic arteries. By DIRECTLY looking at the arteries and veins in the retina, we can very specifically measure this, like nowhere else in the body.

Further Problems with Hypertension

Hypertension alone is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but furthermore, it can also cause damage to the arterial wall because of the increased pressure and lack of elasticity. White blood cells responding to damaged walls can contribute towards plaque formation, resulting in atherosclerosis (narrow, stiff arteries). Atherosclerosis is an additional independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. These two factors are so intertwined that they each make you more likely to develop the other.² Narrow, stiff arteries are more prone to blockages, which can cause a heart attack or stroke.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States³ and worldwide⁴, so it is worth taking an aggressive proactive approach towards prevention. In fact, every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a heart attack or stroke.⁵

Getting your eyes checked at the optometrist is not sufficient, as we use particular measuring software to take the readings. Additional assessments may be made by your eye care provider for diabetic changes and more serious macula and optic nerve disease, but it is highly unlikely that an optometrist will be checking for cardiovascular health.

Cardiovascular Assessment and Event Prevention

A well-rounded assessment of cardiovascular fitness includes many elements, including personal risk factors, current labs and measurements called biomarkers. This is why we don’t just take your blood pressure reading, but dig deeper by measuring your retinal arteries. The additional data confirms relevance.

Similarly, a well-rounded approach to building and maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system also includes many factors. Diet, lifestyle, exercise as suitable to fitness level, reducing excess body fat⁷ (consider Reforming Life), medical assessments using labs, biometric measurements as in the HeartSmart⁶ panel are the first line of attack, possibly followed by a calcium scoring exam⁸ or stress testing, or direct intervention/heart catheterization or even cardiovascular surgery if necessary. Consistency in the “basics” is important to achieve and maintain cardiovascular fitness and prevent expensive urgent treatments.

We each have choices to make, but having knowledge is the first step to know where you are so that intentional action can be taken. Have you had your HeartSmart exam lately?

As always, if you have any further questions, please ask next time you are at the clinic!