Eye Scans Could Predict Heart Disease Risk and Biological Age, Canadian Study Finds
A groundbreaking study by Canadian researchers suggests that examining the tiny blood vessels in the eyes may offer a novel, noninvasive method to assess a...
A groundbreaking study by Canadian researchers suggests that examining the tiny blood vessels in the eyes may offer a novel, noninvasive method to assess a person’s risk of heart disease and track biological ageing.
Published in Science Advances, the research highlights the potential of retinal scans as a window into the body’s vascular health, offering a quicker and less invasive alternative to traditional cardiovascular assessments.
The Eye as a Mirror of Vascular Health
Dr. Marie Pigeyre, Associate Professor at McMaster University’s Department of Medicine, explained that retinal scans, when combined with genetic data and blood biomarkers, can reveal molecular pathways linking ageing to vascular health.
“The eye provides a unique glimpse into the body’s circulatory system. Changes in the retinal blood vessels often reflect similar changes occurring throughout the body,” Pigeyre said, emphasizing the diagnostic potential of this approach.
Study Methodology and Findings
The research team analyzed retinal images, genetic data, and blood samples from more than 74,000 participants. They discovered that individuals with simpler, less branched retinal blood vessels were more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases and exhibited markers of biological ageing, including elevated inflammation and shorter lifespans.
Traditionally, assessing risks for heart disease, stroke, or dementia requires multiple tests and clinical evaluations. Retinal imaging could streamline this process, providing a quick and accessible tool for early detection.
Biological Insights and Potential Drug Targets
By integrating retinal, genetic, and blood biomarker data, the researchers identified two proteins, MMP12 and IgG-Fc receptor IIb, which appear to drive vascular ageing and inflammation.
“These proteins represent promising targets for future therapies aimed at slowing vascular ageing, reducing cardiovascular risk, and potentially extending healthy lifespan,” Pigeyre said.
Implications and Next Steps
While the findings are promising, the team cautions that more research is needed before retinal scans can be routinely used as a diagnostic tool. However, the study marks a significant step toward noninvasive, precision-based approaches to cardiovascular health and ageing.