Cardiovascular Health and Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Author Information
Author(s): McCarty Catherine A, Dowrick Adam, Cameron James, McGrath Barry, Robman Luba D, Dimitrov Peter, Tikellis Gabriella, Nicolas Caroline, McNeil John, Guymer Robyn
Primary Institution: Center for Human Genetics, Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation
Hypothesis
Are novel measures of cardiovascular health associated with prevalence or progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?
Conclusion
Unexpectedly, better cardiovascular health was associated with increased risk of prevalent AMD and progression.
Supporting Evidence
- 160 cases and 160 controls were included in the prevalence component.
- High PWV was associated with increased prevalent AMD.
- Progression was observed in 82 (32.3%) of the 254 subjects recruited for the progression component.
- Higher AI was protective for AMD progression.
- Higher aortic PWV was associated with increased risk of AMD progression.
Takeaway
This study found that people with healthier hearts might actually be more likely to have eye problems as they get older.
Methodology
The study used non-invasive cardiovascular measures and compared AMD cases with age- and gender-matched controls.
Potential Biases
Recall bias and differences between participants and non-participants may affect results.
Limitations
Potential biases due to case-control study design and cardiovascular measures taken at follow-up.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 73.9 years, with 40.9% male participants.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CL = 1.29, 4.99
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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