AOV and CVD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Assessment of Ophthalmic Vasculature and its Relationship to Cardiovascular Risk (AOV and CVD)
IRAS ID
354210
Contact name
Faisel Khan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Dundee
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Several studies have found similarities in the way small blood vessels work across different body parts like the brain, heart, and eye (retina) in individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD). This has prompted research into using retinal small blood vessel imaging as a potential biomarker for predicting overall CVD risk. The ophthalmic artery (OA) is an important artery supplying blood flow to the eye. Ultrasound imaging of the OA has been suggested as a method to predict disease severity in the major blood vessels in the body, such as heart and brain arteries.
The aim of this project is to assess the utility of eye blood vessel status as an early marker of CVD risk by using ultrasound and retinal imaging.
The project aims to compare the measurements of the large and small eye vessels with the function of the blood vessels in the neck and extremities, using the following techniques:
- Carotid artery ultrasound examination.
- Strain elastography to assess the elasticity of the vessel wall.
- Pulse wave velocity to determine arterial stiffness.
- iontophoresis with full-field laser perfusion imaging to test the small blood vessels function of the skin.
- Blood samples for biomarkers of CVD risk (endothelial, metabolic, and inflammatory markers).Measurements will be performed in patients who have experienced a stroke or heart attack to assess the link between the large and small blood vessel measurements in the eye and the blood vessel function of extremities as a relatively simple indicator of early CVD risk. We will investigate the ability of easy, safe, and quick imaging tools of the vessels of the eye to predict the risk of CVD.
REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NE/0153
Date of REC Opinion
30 Jul 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion