AIM: To explore the risk factors of retinal artery stenosis and its relationship with urinary albumin/creatinine in patients with hypertension, so as to provide a basis for prevention of target organ damage.

METHODS: In this study, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 1 983 patients with hypertension. According to the fundus examination, 944 patients were divided into normal group and 1 039 patients were divided into abnormal group. Baseline data were collected and urine albumin/creatinine was measured. Analysis of risk factors for retinal artery stenosis and its relationship with urinary albumin/creatinine.

RESULTS: There were significant differences in age and diabetes between the two groups(P<0.05). Logistic regression showed that age(OR=1.013, P=0.011)and diabetes mellitus(OR=1.352, P=0.008)were risk factors for retinal artery stenosis. Hypertensive retinopathy(HR)detection rate was 95.56%. Grade I and grade II mild lesions were the major ones. The proportion of macroalbuminuria in retinal stenosis group was 65.59%, higher than that in microalbuminuria group(54.21%)and normal group(50.52%).

CONCLUSION: Age and diabetes are risk factors for retinal artery stenosis in hypertensive patients. Retinopathy is associated with urinary albumin/creatinine. The community should strengthen health education and early screening of retina and kidney to prevent the progress of the disease.