Can Retinal Imaging Predict Heart Attacks?

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh have found a way to predict heart attacks for at risk patients during a routine eye examination by combining genetic data and retinal imaging.

By using data of over 500,000 people, a model was created mixed with a combination of traditional clinical factors, such as age, sex and systolic blood pressure, to predict the risk of a heart attack by examining data of people who had experienced a heart attack after gathering their retinal images.

With more data and research needed, scientists have stated that one day in the future, a simple retinal examination may possibly provide enough information to identify people at risk of a heart attack.