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3 clusters · 16 sources · 8 days · First seen · Last updated

Retinal imaging link to atrial fibrillation

Overview

Researchers from University College London and Moorfields Eye Hospital have identified a link between retinal changes and atrial fibrillation (AF), a heart rhythm disorder that increases risks of stroke and heart failure.

By analyzing data from the AlzEye dataset and the UK Biobank, which included over 90,000 individuals, the study found that those with AF exhibit a thinner macular ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) in the retina. This layer consists of nerve cells connecting the eye to the brain. Data from the AlzEye cohort showed this layer was on average 1.96 micrometers thinner in affected individuals, while the UK Biobank data showed a difference of 1.19 micrometers.

The research, published in ‘PLOS Digital Health’, suggests that high-resolution retinal imaging could potentially detect signs of AF up to four years before a clinical diagnosis, offering a non-invasive early warning system for at-risk patients.

While retinal scanning offers a potential screening tool, global awareness of AF remains a challenge. In Australia, research indicates that only 2% of adults over 18 can correctly identify the four key signs of the condition. To address this, the organization Hearts4heart has introduced the ‘PULSE’ acronym to help the public recognize warning signs: Pounding or racing heartbeat, Unusual tiredness, Light-headed or dizzy spells, Skipped or fluttering beats, and Elevated stroke risk if untreated. AF affects an estimated 52.55 million people worldwide, often leading to complications such as heart failure, heart attack, and dementia.

Entities

UK Biobank · University College London · Hearts4heart · Liverpool John Moores University · Moorfields Eye Hospital

Timeline

  1. 5 days ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Atrial fibrillation detection: Eye scans and new awareness campaigns

    New research suggests eye scans may detect atrial fibrillation years before diagnosis, while awareness campaigns aim to improve recognition of the heart rhythm disorder and its stroke risks.

  2. 8 days ago

    [HEALTH] 12 sources
    Medical studies link hydration to stress and retinal health to heart rhythm

    New studies reveal that low fluid intake can increase cortisol levels during stress, and retinal thinning may indicate a risk for atrial fibrillation.

  3. 12 days ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Retinal scans may detect atrial fibrillation years before diagnosis

    A study by UCL and Moorfields researchers suggests eye scans can detect signs of atrial fibrillation up to four years before diagnosis by identifying specific thinning in retinal layers.

Sources

abendblatt.de · ad-hoc-news.de · bild.de · harzkurier.de · ikz-online.de · independent.co.uk · morgenpost.de · nctimes.com.au · news-medical.net · nrz.de · que.com · thueringer-allgemeine.de · tlz.de · waz.de · wp.de · wr.de

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history