New research suggests that patients with a specific eye disease may be at risk for cardiovascular disease. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. This new study believes it may be linked to heart damage from heart failure and heart attacks, advanced heart valve disease, and carotid artery disease associated with certain types of strokes.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that affects the central vision of older adults. The condition is caused by damage to the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The retina is responsible for sending visual signals to the brain.
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AMD typically affects people over age 65 and is the leading cause of visual impairment and vision loss in this age group. There are two main types of AMD: wet and dry. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood. Dry AMD occurs when the tissue of the retina deteriorates. There is no cure for AMD, but treatments are available to slow its progression and improve vision. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for maintaining vision.
For the study, researchers from the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai analyzed 200 patients with retinal imaging to determine which had subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDDs). These deposits are found in a specific form of age-related macular degeneration. The study also required patients to answer a questionnaire about their cardiovascular disease and eye disorders history.
By the conclusion of the study, it was recorded that of the 200 participants, 97 had SDDs. Forty-seven of the 200 had severe heart disease (19 had heart damage from heart failure or heart attack, 17 had serious valve disease, and 11 had strokes stemming from the carotid artery). Out of those 47 participants, forty had SDDs.
Overall, researchers concluded that AMD patients with severe cardiovascular diseases and stroke were nine times more likely to have SDDs than those without.
Supporting Vision and Heart Health
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As this research proves, it is vital to take steps to ensure vision is kept as healthy as possible as you age. One of the primary causes of age-related vision loss is low levels of lutein and zeaxanthin. These natural pigments have been shown to protect the eye from oxidative damage caused by ultraviolet light and environmental factors. Some of the best sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, but it is difficult to get enough of these pigments from diet alone.
20/20 Vision contains 20 mg of lutein and 2 mg of zeaxanthin to help give your eyes the nutritional support they require. In addition to those two ingredients, this unique formula also contains various vitamins, minerals, and herbal ingredients to help support and maximize vision and eye health.
Keeping the heart strong and healthy is vital for enjoying a high quality of life as you age. Heart Rescue was designed to help support and promote cardiovascular health using a variety of ingredients, including omega-3 fatty acids, CoQ10, magnesium, and hawthorn extract. This formula’s health benefits can help strengthen the heart muscle, support circulation, and help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
