Retinal Artery Occlusion Linked To Increased Risk Of Acute Coronary Syndrome

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Ren-Long Jan
Department of Pediatrics, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.

Medical Research: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: The pathologenic factors underlying retinal artery occlusion (RAO) are also associated with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Previous studies showed the relation but was limited by sample sizes. We used Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database and found the increased risk of ACS following Retinal artery occlusion.

Medical Research: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Response: Retinal artery occlusion and acute coronary syndrome share many common risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension and renal diseases. Retinal artery occlusion patients without regular cardiovascular exams and necessary medicine controls would have more chance to develop acute coronary syndrome and even mortality.

Medical Research: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: Besides this article, we have also found the risk of stroke following Retinal artery occlusion in previous study. In Dr. Chang’s opinion, many new-onset RAO patients in Taiwan seem not be aware of their original health status (i.e., DM and hypertension) and the onset of Retinal artery occlusion looks like a warning sign for them. The other possible morbidities after Retinal artery occlusion would be our interest to follow for them.

Citation:

The risk of acute coronary syndrome after retinal artery occlusion: a population-based cohort study

Chang YS1, Chu CC2, Weng SF3, Chang C4, Wang JJ5, Jan RL6.
Br J Ophthalmol. 2015 Feb;99(2):227-31. doi: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2014-305451. Epub 2014 Aug 21.

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MedicalResearch.com Interview with:, & Ren-Long Jan, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwa (2015). Retinal Artery Occlusion Linked To Increased Risk Of Acute Coronary Syndrome MedicalResearch.com

Last Updated on January 28, 2015 by Marie Benz MD FAAD