Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease and Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Dr Krishna Kumar

» doi: https://jcdponline.org/.2020.v11.i02.pp01-07

Abstract

In those over the age of 50, AMD is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. New insights into the complex mechanisms behind this disease are emerging from research in genetics, epidemiology, and molecular biology. These studies establish a connection between lipid variables and the pathophysiology of disease initiation and progression. Risk of other complex age-related degenerative diseases, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), is increased by many of the same hereditary and environmental risk factors for AMD. This study compiles epidemiological evidence that connects AMD to relevant environmental exposures and several genes that are implicated in cardiovascular symptoms. Some of the established risk factors for cardiovascular disease that have been associated to AMD include advancing age, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, using oestrogen after menopause, diabetes, and dietary fat, alcohol, and antioxidant intake. In order to provide the best ta