Hypertensive Retinopathy: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Comorbidities

We aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of retinopathy in hypertensive outpatients. Demographic data, accompanying diseases, anthropometric measurements, and blood and urine biochemistry of 655 hypertensive patients were evaluated. Hypertensive retinopathy rate was 66.3% (grade 1, 33.6%; grade 2, 32.7%). Age, duration of hypertension, and systolic blood pressure levels were significant risk factors for retinopathy (P = .048, P = .035, and P = .012, respectively). Any correlations between retinopathy and gender, body mass index, biochemistry, and associated diseases were not found. This study shows that the degree and duration of hypertension increases the incidence of retinopathy. Low-grade retinopathy seems not to be associated with other cardiovascular risks.