Assessing retinal blood vessels to evaluate cardiovascular disease

Imaging of Retinochoroidal Vasculature in Patients Being Assessed for Cardiovascular Disease

Not applicable Interventional Northwestern University · NCT05082402

This study is trying to see if changes in the blood vessels in the eye can help predict how serious heart disease is in people.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorNorthwestern University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT05082402 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to explore the relationship between retinal vasculature changes observed through Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (SS-OCTA) and the severity of cardiovascular disease as measured by carotid duplex ultrasonography. It will analyze various parameters such as retinal vessel caliber, density, perfusion, tortuosity, and the presence of plaques or ischemic areas. By correlating these retinal findings with carotid occlusive disease, the study seeks to establish predictive markers for cardiovascular conditions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 80 without a history of retinal disease who are undergoing standard carotid duplex ultrasounds.

Not a fit: Patients with known ophthalmologic diseases or those unable to participate in clinical eye examinations may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive method to assess cardiovascular disease risk through retinal imaging.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results in correlating retinal imaging with cardiovascular health, suggesting this approach has potential.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subjects between 18 and 80 years of age.
* No known prior history of retinal disease.
* Able to participate in a clinical eye examination setting.
* Able to consent.
* Subjects receiving standard of care carotid duplex ultrasounds.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known ophthalmologic disease (e.g. glaucoma, macular degeneration, ocular injury) other than corrected refractive error.
* Lack of capacity to provide informed consent.
* Subjects younger than 18 years of age or older than 80 years of age.
* History of stroke or acute loss of vision.
* Unable to participate in a clinical eye examination setting.

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cardiovascular DiseasesRetinaChangeretinal vasculaturecardiovascular diseaseswept source optical coherence tomography angiographySS-OCTAcarotid duplex ultrasonography
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.