VIDEO: Evaluate patients’ retinas for signs of hypertension
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NEW YORK — Optometrists should check patients’ blood pressure and evaluate the retina for signs of systemic hypertension, Sherrol A. Reynolds, OD, FAAO, says in this video from Vision Expo East.
Reynolds noted that hypertension is now defined as 130/80 mm Hg, according to the newest guidelines issued by the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association in 2017.
“Those numbers were lowered so we can better detect earlier hypertension, start treatment earlier and, therefore, prevent complications,” Reynolds, an associate professor and chief of advanced ophthalmic care at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, said. “We should be checking patients’ blood pressure if we can because we are an important part of their health care team.”
Reynolds said increased arterial light reflex and arteriovenous nicking changes can indicate a patient’s stroke risk, and these signs should be communicated to the patient’s primary care physician.
Reference:
- New ACC/AHA high blood pressure guidelines lower definition of hypertension. https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/articles/2017/11/08/11/47/mon-5pm-bp-guideline-aha-2017. Published Nov. 13, 2017. Accessed April 13, 2023.
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Reynolds S. Under pressure: The latest hypertension guidelines. Presented at: Vision Expo East; March 15-19, 2023; New York.
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