Frequency of Retinopathy in Diagnosed Patients of Hypertension
TL;DR
A high frequency of hypertensive retinopathy was observed among patients with hypertension, and routine dilated fundoscopic examination is recommended to detect early retinal changes, which may reduce morbidity and prevent systemic complications.
Abstract
Background: By definition, systolic blood pressure ?140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ?90 mmHg, measured on at least 2 separate occasions in a seated position during outpatient visits, irrespective of antihypertensive therapy, constitute hypertension. Persistent hypertension is associated with microvascular complications, including hypertensive retinopathy. Objective: To determine the frequency of hypertensive retinopathy among diagnosed hypertensive patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Lahore. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study in the Medical Outpatient Department (OPD) of Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore. A total of 260 diagnosed hypertensive patients were included. All participants underwent clinical evaluation, including fundoscopic examination, to assess for hypertensive retinopathy. Results: Out of 260 patients, hypertensive retinopathy was identified in 189 (72.7%) patients, while 71 (27.3%) showed no evidence of retinal changes. Conclusion: A high frequency of hypertensive retinopathy was observed among patients with hypertension. Routine dilated fundoscopic examination is recommended to detect early retinal changes, which may reduce morbidity and prevent systemic complications.