Retinal imaging in prediction and diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) stand as the leading cause of mortality among individuals aged 65 and above. Recognizing individuals at high risk of developing CVD at an early stage is paramount for prevention and minimizing further complications. Although seemingly distant, the health of blood vessels in the retina can serve as a mirror reflecting the overall vascular health of the body. Leveraging data from the extensive Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, which includes retinal images from over 30,000 participants alongside comprehensive cardiovascular health information, our research employs advanced machine learning techniques to construct detailed maps of retinal blood vessels. Our objective is to identify specific features within these vessel maps that are indicative of increased CVD risk. By doing so, we aim to enhance early prediction strategies for cardiovascular diseases, potentially paving the way for improved preventive interventions.