Czynniki ryzyka sercowo-naczyniowego w grupie 100 pacjentów z zatorem tętnic siatkówki — rejestr jednoośrodkowy

Introduction . The aim of the study was to evaluate cardiovascular risk factors in patients after retinal artery occlusion (RAO). Additionally, our findings were compared with the results of epidemiological studies on the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in the Polish population. Material and methods . We conducted a retrospective study which involved a group of 100 patients admitted to the ophthalmology service due to RAO in 2004–2014. Results . In our study group, hypertension was found in 78% of patients, hypercholesterolemia in 67% of patients, ischemic heart disease in 53% of patients, previous myocardial infarction in 20% of patients, heart failure in 17% of patients, diabetes type 2 in 16% of patients, atrial fibrillation in 14% of patients, and kidney dysfunction in 11% of patients. Twelve percent of patients had a history of stroke, and 31% were smokers. Doppler ultrasonography (USG) showed carotid atherosclerotic plaques in 78% of patients and ≥ 70% carotid artery stenosis in 33% of patients. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed aortic valve calcifications in 63% of patients. Conclusions . Cardiovascular risk factors are present in a large majority of patients with RAO. Compared to the general population, patients with RAO often suffer from hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, type 2 diabetes and renal dysfunction. Due to an association between RAO and cardiovascular risk factors, appropriate diagnostic work-up is of major importance in these patients. Basic investigations in patients after a RAO event should include carotid artery Doppler ultrasound, echocardiography, electrocardiography, blood pressure measurement, and laboratory tests