Prevalence of retinopathy in hypertensive patients

Saudi Med J. 2006 Nov;27(11):1725-8.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of retinopathy in hypertensive patients referred to a teaching hospital in Yazd, Iran.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 213 hypertensive patients referring to a teaching hospital in Yazd, Iran between November 2004 and June 2005. Data were collected using a questionnaire after an interview and ocular examination. Demographic variables, hypertensive retinopathy, familial history of hypertension, duration of diagnosis, and other hypertension side effects such as cardiac, renal, cerebro-vascular complications were analyzed. The Scheie's staging system was used for retinopathy grading.

Results: A total of 213 patients (95 men, 118 women) with high blood pressure aged between 25 and 85 years (mean age of 64.47 +/- 10.66 years) were enrolled in this study, wherein 39.9% of patients suffered from retinopathy. This rate was higher in women (45.6%) than in men (33%). The positive familial history of hypertension was reported in 47.8% of patients. The prevalence rate of retinopathy in patients suffering from mild hypertension was 25.3%, moderate hypertension was 34.5% and severe hypertension 84.6%. Of the patients with retinopathy, 42.36% had grade I, 20% had grade II and 2.35% had grade III retinopathy. The most common ophthalmoscopic findings were arteriolar narrowing (35.13%), arterio-venous nicking (17.12%) and cotton wool patches (9%).

Conclusion: Positive family history of hypertension and target organs involvement are important risk factors for retinopathy. Early diagnosis and treatment of hypertension to prevent complications is essential.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / classification
  • Hypertension / complications*
  • Hypertension / diagnosis
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Iran / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ophthalmoscopy
  • Prevalence
  • Retinal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Retinal Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Retinal Diseases / prevention & control
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires