[Association of age-related maculopathy with ischemic heart disease and its risk factors in middle-aged population of Kaunas city].

Aim: To determine the prevalence of age-related maculopathy in a sample of Lithuanian middle-aged population and to assess the relationship between age-related maculopathy and ischemic heart disease and its risk factors, including smoking, arterial hypertension, obesity, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemias.

Material And Methods: A random sample of urban population of 1357 adults (ranging from 35-64 years of age; 597 males and 760 females) living in Kaunas, Lithuania was examined during the interval from 2001 to 2002. Each participant underwent a comprehensive examination that included an ophthalmic examination. The presence of age-related maculopathy was determined by grading from fundus examination by indirect ophthalmoscopy, slit lamp examination, and color fundus photographs. The history, physical examination findings, and fasting blood samples provided data on possible risk factors. Age-adjusted logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the risk factors for age-related maculopathy.

Results: Early age-related maculopathy was detected for 44 males and 40 females. The prevalence of age-related maculopathy increased steadily with age without significant difference between males and females. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that increased diastolic blood pressure, obesity, hyperglycemia, ischemic ECG-abnormalities and history of myocardial infarction were significantly associated with age-related maculopathy in males aged 40-64 years. Current smoking and hyperglycemia were significantly associated with age-related maculopathy in females aged 40-64 years.

Conclusions: Our study suggests that arterial hypertension, obesity, hyperglycemia, current smoking and positive history of cardiovascular disease are relevant risk factors for age-related maculopathy in middle-aged urban population.