Age-Related Macular Degeneration Doubles Heart Attack and Stroke Risk

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"Age-related macular degeneration and atherosclerotic vascular share common risk factors that include hypertension, hyperlipidemia and smoking," said Dr. Gregg C. Fonarow, a professor of cardiology at the University of California, Los Angeles.

In addition, systemic inflammation may increase the risk of AMD and atherosclerosis, Fonarow said.

"Just as having peripheral vascular disease is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease through common risk factors, having AMD is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality," Fonarow said.

"Patients and physicians should recognize that patients diagnosed with AMD are more likely to have underlying cardiovascular disease and subsequent events and take appropriate steps to lower that risk though lifestyle changes and cardiovascular protective therapies," Fonarow advised.

In another report in the same issue of the journal, British researchers concluded that genes that control the production of chemicals involved in inflammation may play a significant role in AMD.

One gene variation associated with the gene that produces an inflammatory chemical called interleukin 8, was significantly more common among people with AMD, the researchers found. This gene variant has been previously linked with inflammatory diseases and cancer.

If these findings hold up, the researchers think it could lead to genetic screening for AMD and possibly the development of medications to treat the disease.

More information

For more on AMD, visit the U.S. National Eye Institute.