Eyes reveal the heart: scientists discover a way to predict cardiovascular disease risk

“The eye offers a unique, non-invasive window into the body’s vascular system. Changes in retinal vessels often mirror what is happening in the small vessels throughout the body,” explains Dr. Marie Pigeyre, senior author of the study and associate professor of medicine at McMaster University.

Researchers combined data from 74,000 people, including retinal scans, genetic information, and blood tests. They discovered that individuals with less branched retinal vasculature were more likely to show signs of accelerated aging — increased inflammation, shorter lifespan, and higher cardiovascular risk.

Today, assessing age-related diseases — from stroke to dementia — requires complex diagnostics. However, simple retinal scanning may soon become a fast, accessible, and accurate tool for evaluating vascular health and biological age. Another key aspect of the study was the analysis of blood biomarkers and genetic data. This allowed scientists to identify two proteins associated with vascular aging: MMP12 and the IgG-Fc IIb receptor. Both play roles in inflammation and may become promising targets for developing new therapies to slow vascular aging.

“Modern methods allow us to look inside the body without surgery. Retinal imaging offers the possibility of identifying cardiovascular risks long before symptoms appear. This approach could mark a breakthrough in personalized medicine,” noted Bakhyt Tumenova, physician and head of the National Association Densaulyq.