From the Eye to the Heart: Association between Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Cardiovascular Disease (a Systematic Review) Oral Presentation - Observational Study - General practitioner

Abstract

Introduction & Objectives
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the third leading cause of global blindness, while
cardiovascular disease (CVD) is recognized as a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Both are
complex diseases associated with aging. It has recently been argued that there is an association
between AMD and CVD. This study examined whether AMD increased the risk of CVD and/ or CVD
mortality.

Methods
A systematic review was conducted through three databases (Pubmed, Scopus, and Embase) for
relevant studies published between 2016-2023. We selected studies which focused on subjects with
AMD, regardless of stages, and their risks for developing CVD and/or CVD mortality.

Results
Two cohort studies and one case-control study are included, involving 93.388 patients aged >40
years old. One cohort study found that subjects with choroidal neovascularization were associated
with an increased rate of cardiovascular mortality (HR 3.16 95% CI 1.62-6.15). Another study also
found that AMD was associated with a 1.58 fold increased risk of heart failure (adjusted OR, 1.56;
95% CI, 1.16–1.87; P<0.001) after adjustment for confounders. Moreover, aside from the variables
on which this systematic review focused on, the cohort studies also found AMD correlation with
other diseases and causes of mortality.

Conclusion
Individuals with AMD have higher risk for developing CVD. Thus, screening for AMD may be
beneficial in preventing CVD.