{
  "id": 10922263,
  "title": "World Heart Day: The eyes can reveal what the heart hides",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/world-heart-day-the-eyes-can-reveal-what-the-heart-hides",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-30T10:29:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/gn-focus/company-news/world-heart-day-the-eyes-can-reveal-what-the-heart-hides-1.500693429"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Abu Dhabi, a businessman experienced blurred vision in his right eye and initially thought he needed new glasses. He visited the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute for an eye exam expecting a prescription, but instead received an unexpected diagnosis. Retinal imaging revealed blood vessel changes in his eye, indicating uncontrolled high blood pressure that he was unaware of. If left untreated, the high pressure could have led to a retinal vein occlusion or a heart-related event, with more severe consequences. Dr Nicola G. Ghazi, a retina specialist, explained that the retina, or the back of the eye, serves as a window into the heart, often showing signs of cardiovascular issues before the patient or their cardiologist notices any problems. Dr George F. Corrent, Head of Cornea and Refractive Service, emphasized that comprehensive eye exams are not just about vision but serve as a health check for the entire body, with heart and circulation conditions frequently presenting themselves first in the eye. Both doctors urged individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease to include regular eye exams as part of their cardiac care. Three months after his initial visit, KM's blood pressure was under control, his vision stabilized, and he actively promoted annual checkups within his family. Dr Zain Kenderian, CEO of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Abu Dhabi, highlighted the connection between heart disease and vision loss, stating that both benefit from early action. As part of World Heart Day, the institute encourages the community to view heart and eye care as part of the same journey, recommending residents combine their heart health checkups with comprehensive eye examinations in September.",
  "summary": "Abu Dhabi: When KM (name changed), a 52-year-old Abu Dhabi businessman, woke to find the vision in his right eye clouded, he assumed he needed new glasses. He booked an eye examination at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Abu Dhabi expecting a prescription. He left with a referral to a cardiologist - one his doctors believe may have protected both his sight and his heart. Retinal imaging revealed…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}