Stephen Fava
Malta
Research Article
The Diabetic Eye: A Window to the Heart & Vascular System
Author(s): Caroline J. Magri and Stephen FavaCaroline J. Magri and Stephen Fava
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus that could potentially lead to blindness. There is growing interest in the association between this important microvascular complication and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In this review article, the authors analyse the currently available data that link diabetic retinopathy with cardiovascular events in both type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients, including its association with coronary heart disease, heart failure, cerebrovascular disease and cardiac autonomic neuropathy. Important retinal signs that suggest underlying cardiovascular disease are discussed together with possible underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. The clinical implications involved are considered together with future studies. The latter should address not only possible pathological mechanisms, including genetic contribution, but als.. View More»
