Scientists have discovered that the tiny blood vessels in the eye could provide important clues about a person’s risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. In a large study, researchers identified 119 genetic regions that influence the shape and size of these blood vessels, offering new insights into how our genes affect our heart health.
The study, led by researchers from St George’s, University of London, analyzed high-resolution images of the back of the eye from nearly 53,000 people in the UK Biobank, a large health research project.
Using artificial intelligence (AI), scientists examined the images to measure the width of the blood vessels and how much they twist and turn. They then compared these characteristics with the participants’ genetic data to see if certain genes were linked to blood vessel structure.
Their findings showed that genetics play a major role in determining the way blood vessels in the eye are shaped. Out of the 119 genetic regions identified, 89 were linked specifically to how much the arteries twist.
This twisting, they found, was strongly associated with higher diastolic blood pressure—the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats—and a greater risk of heart disease.
The discovery is significant because the eye provides a unique window into the body’s vascular system. The retina, located at the back of the eye, contains blood vessels that can be easily photographed and studied without invasive procedures.
Since these small vessels reflect overall circulatory health, studying them may help doctors detect heart-related issues before symptoms appear.
Researchers have long known that the shape and size of retinal blood vessels are linked to conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. However, until now, little was known about how genes influence these features.
This study provides strong evidence that genetics play a key role in blood vessel structure and may contribute to heart-related problems.
The team believes that these findings could lead to new ways of predicting heart disease risk based on eye scans. If doctors can identify people with a higher genetic risk by simply analyzing their retinal blood vessels, they may be able to offer earlier interventions to prevent serious heart conditions.
As researchers continue to explore the connection between eye health and heart disease, this study highlights the importance of routine eye exams—not just for vision, but for overall health.
By better understanding the genetic factors behind blood vessel structure, scientists may one day develop new treatments to improve heart health and prevent disease before it starts.
The research was conducted by Professor Christopher Owen and his team and was published in PLOS Genetics.
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