A new Ophthalmology Science study has uncovered a significant association between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and an increased risk of valvular heart disease (VHD). Using a large cohort from a single tertiary center, the research highlights how patients with AMD are more likely to experience VHD and undergo heart valve-related procedures than individuals without AMD.
The retrospective case-control study analyzed data from 945 AMD patients and 8,725 controls. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was used to evaluate AMD, while electronic medical records provided information on VHD diagnoses and related procedures. The study examined both non-neovascular (dry) and neovascular (wet) forms of AMD.
Key findings of the study indicated an increased prevalence of VHD in AMD patients, with higher rates of aortic stenosis (OR 2.00), aortic regurgitation (OR 2.41), and mitral valve regurgitation (OR 1.51) found among AMD patients when compared to healthy controls. AMD patients were also found to be more likely to undergo aortic valve replacement (OR 1.70) and tricuspid valve replacement (OR 3.99). There was also no difference among AMD subtypes reported, with both dry- and wet-AMD showing consistent prevalence of VHD.
The study authors suggest potential shared pathways in the development of AMD and VHD, and that both conditions may involve common risk factors such as aging, inflammation, and lipid metabolism dysregulation. Their findings emphasize the need for cross-referral between ophthalmologists and cardiologists, particularly for AMD patients, who might benefit from proactive cardiovascular assessments.
While the study does establish a strong correlation between the two conditions, the authors state that their findings are not sufficient as to deduce a causal relationship between AMD and VHD. As such, further research is required to explore the shared mechanisms underlying AMD and VHD, with more diverse populations and additional clinical data examined to help refine these current findings.
