SCIENTIFIC REPORT Effect of hypertension on foveolar choroidal haemodynamics

Aims: To assess the effect of systemic hypertension on the choroidal circulation in subjects with a normal eye examina-tion. Methods: Laser Doppler flowmetry was used to determine relative choroidal blood velocity (Chvel), volume (Chvol), and flow (Chflow) in the centre of the fovea. Measurements were obtained in 15 eyes of 15 subjects with systemic hyperten-sion. The mean average duration of hypertension was 11 (SD 6) years. Findings obtained in these patients were compared with those of 15 eyes of 15 age matched healthy controls. All subjects had normal eye examinations. Results: No significant differences in Chvel, Chvol, and Chflow, were found between the subjects with and without systemic hypertension despite a 17 % higher perfusion pressure (PP) in patients with hypertension. No significant correlation wa