RETINAL FINDING ASSOCIATED WITH HEART ATTACKS

 This study in The American Journal of Ophthalmology states that there is an association between retina ischemic perivascular lesions (RIPLs, "ripples") and myocardial infarction in patients with coronary artery disease.  

317 patients with coronary artery disease had OCT (optical coherence tomography) performed.  59.3% of the patients in that group who had a history of myocardial infarction demonstrated the presence of RIPLs on their OCT, while only 35% of those who did not have a myocardial infarction demonstrated RIPLs. 

RIPLs show focal areas of atrophy of the inner nuclear layer of the retina along with resultant expansion of the other nuclear area, causing a "ripple" appearance on cross-sectional OCT. . 

Prior studies have demonstrated an association of RIPLs with certain cardiovascular disease, including diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, and carotid artery stenosis. 

This study suggests that OCT screening in patients with coronary artery disease could determine if patients have a higher risk of myocardial infarction. They suggest that patients with RIPLs on OCT should be referred for cardiovascular consultation.