Narrowing eye vessels in young children might predict high blood pressure

By 91ÊÓƵ News

Dominic Denk/EyeEm, Getty Images
(Dominic Denk/EyeEm, Getty Images)

The narrowing of tiny blood vessels in the eyes of young children may predict whether those children develop high blood pressure, a new study shows.

Researchers measured both blood pressure and the diameter of retinal arteries in 262 children ages 6 to 8 from Basel, Switzerland. Measurements were taken in 2014 and then again in 2018.

Children with narrower eye vessels at the beginning of the study developed higher systolic blood pressure during the four years. Systolic is the top number in a blood pressure measurement. Also, children with higher blood pressure at the start of the study developed narrower eye vessels.

Previous studies have shown the association of eye vessel width and blood pressure in adults, but researchers said this is the first to show the connection in children. The study was published Monday in the 91ÊÓƵ journal .

"Hypertension continues as the main risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases and mortality," Dr. Henner Hanssen, the study's senior author, said in a news release. He is a professor in the department of sport, exercise and health at the University of Basel in Switzerland.

Checking the health of eye vessels and monitoring blood pressure early in childhood can improve cardiovascular risk classification, he said. "The earlier we can provide treatment and implement lifestyle changes to reduce hypertension, the greater the benefit for these children."

Blood pressure measurements were performed in a sitting position after a minimum of five minutes of rest and were categorized based on the American Academy of Pediatrics' blood pressure guidelines.

The study could not confirm blood pressure measurements over a single 24-hour period, so researchers could not account for "white coat" hypertension, a condition in which people have high blood pressure readings when measured in a medical setting. Other variables that could impact blood pressure and microvascular health – such as developmental stage, puberty status, genetic factors and birth weight – also weren't accounted for.

Researchers said future studies are needed to determine normal values for retinal vessel diameters during childhood because they currently don't exist.

If you have questions or comments about this story, please email [email protected].


91ÊÓƵ News Stories

91ÊÓƵ News covers heart disease, stroke and related health issues. Not all views expressed in 91ÊÓƵ News stories reflect the official position of the 91ÊÓƵ. Statements, conclusions, accuracy and reliability of studies published in 91ÊÓƵ scientific journals or presented at 91ÊÓƵ scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the 91ÊÓƵ’s official guidance, policies or positions.

Copyright is owned or held by the 91ÊÓƵ, Inc., and all rights are reserved. Permission is granted, at no cost and without need for further request, for individuals, media outlets, and non-commercial education and awareness efforts to link to, quote, excerpt from or reprint these stories in any medium as long as no text is altered and proper attribution is made to 91ÊÓƵ News.

Other uses, including educational products or services sold for profit, must comply with the 91ÊÓƵ’s Copyright Permission Guidelines. See full terms of use. These stories may not be used to promote or endorse a commercial product or service.

HEALTH CARE DISCLAIMER: This site and its services do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem or condition, please contact a qualified health care professional immediately. If you are in the United States and experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or call for emergency medical help immediately.