Doctors have recently found that there is a new method that may help them to detect the presence of heart disease in an individual. And while this method is new to this type of diagnosis, it isn’t precisely new. Optical coherence tomography has been used in the fields of optometry and ophthalmology for years. It is a noninvasive procedure and has been used to help eye doctors create more accurate pictures of what the retina looks like. However, this same tool can help doctors to better understand what is happening beyond the eye.
In a recent study, researchers found that a biomarker called RIPL was present in higher numbers within the eyes of people that had heart disease than what was found in the eyes of people with a healthy heart. It is hoped that through further research, this noninvasive procedure might be a more effective way of diagnosing people and preventing further issues before they have a negative impact on the individual’s health.
The team of researchers published their findings in the journal, The Lancet, earlier in March. They are based out of the Shiley Eye Institute at UC San Diego Health.
To be clear, it’s not a hundred percent sure yet if this method will be used on a widespread basis. It’s accuracy to be used as a standard test for heart disease is not yet confirmed for regular usage. But the fact that it could be possible to detect heart disease in a simple test could be a game changer in the medical field. Heart disease is the top killer of adults within the United States. Even when someone survives a heart attack or stroke, extensive supports are required to help that individual get through life. Sometimes, care is needed for the rest of someone’s life. Identifying heart disease early, and then taking preventative measures to help avoid complications, is one of the most effective ways to avoid this.
Other studies have shown that the eye may contain information about other health concerns, too. Some teams have pointed to the fact that diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease may be detected more easily through the eye than with more traditional methods. Like the detection of heart disease, these detection methods are still being developed and refined, but so far, they seem to hold great promise for early detection and treatment. When issues are found early, quality of life can be improved.
When a loved one ages, it’s common for them to need extra help. Sometimes this can be provoked by a health emergency like a heart attack or stroke. When heart disease is present, this can easily be the case. But heart disease is not the only reason why someone might need extra assistance. There are other reasons why senior care becomes necessary.
Whatever your situation might be, we’re here for you. That might mean helping a loved one by providing them with in-home care, or it might mean a fifteen minute phone call where we assist by answering some questions and pointing you toward the correct resources. Regardless, our goal is to help your older loved one achieve their goals.
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