Can heart attacks lead to vision loss? Here's what the latest research reveals

Understanding why vision screening is a vital part of post-heart attack care is crucial for patients as well as medical experts (Image: Pexels)

We typically picture chest pain, dyspnoea, or an emergency hospital run when we think of a heart attack. However, recent studies suggest that the effects might extend beyond the heart. Any cardiovascular condition may also affect our sight, which raises new concerns for both patients and doctors.

A recent study titled 'Comorbid vision and cognitive impairments in older adults hospitalised for acute myocardial infarction' explains the hidden link between heart attacks and eye sight.

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Interrelated Vascular Risks

According to the study, heart and the eye share a close relationship due to their interdependence on the same intricate network of blood vessels. Diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and atherosclerosis not only create strain on the heart but also damage the delicate and critical blood supply to the eyes, particularly the retina. These vessels, once compromised, can lead to a host of fascinating outcomes such as blurred vision, sudden loss of vision, or other progressive eye diseases.

Findings of the Report

The report states that a significant number of patients recovering from heart attacks suffer from a number of vision problems. More importantly, it is not the heart attack which causes these problems. The vascular problems which underlie heart attacks are responsible for these issues. Researchers discovered that cognitive and visual impairments frequently coexist, increasing the risk of disability and worsening health outcomes if untreated.

Why This Is Important to You

Good vision can serve as an early warning system for cardiovascular disease in addition to being necessary for safe reading and driving. Doctors often call the retina a "window" to the body’s blood vessels. Regular eye exams are a surprisingly useful tool in identifying hidden risks because changes in retinal health can reflect changes in the cardiovascular system. Tracking patient eye health could allow physicians to identify vascular complications before they progress into life-threatening vascular emergencies.

Easy Steps to Improve Screening

Add objective and subjective eye examinations to the post-recovery protocol of patients who have suffered a heart attack for more effective retinal surveillance.

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At risk adults: Diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidaemia. Don’t wait for changes in vision to see an eye doctor. Protective treatment is available and is best initiated with an annual eye examination.

For physicians: Cardiologists and family physicians may provide better heart health management if they include eye examinations in their routine assessments. There is a wealth of vascular health information within even the simplest eye examination.

For gastroenterologists, family physicians, and others: More comprehensive heart health assessments incorporating routine eye examinations may lead to improved management. Even a simple eye examination can provide important information about the patient’s blood vessels.