Low birthweight is associated with increased risk for hypertension in adulthood
There is a correlation between low birthweight
and hypertension in adulthood, according to an article in the October
11th issue of the Lancet.
Previously, scientists had hypothesized that
the negative effect of birthweight on systolic blood pressure began
during fetal growth and was amplified with age. Over 3600 people
from a birth cohort study of men and women born in Britain in 1946
participated in the current study; details of their birthweight
and blood pressure (previously recorded at ages 36, 43, and 53 years)
were assessed.
Individuals with low birthweight had higher
systolic blood pressure levels at 36 years of age, which were sustained
(although not increased) by age 53 years. People from a poorer social
class in childhood had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure
levels than those from a higher socioeconomic class; this effect
was seen to increase between the ages of 36 and 53 years.
The findings indicate that the rate of increase
in systolic blood pressure among those from a poorer social class
was greater than the rate of increase among those from a higher
social class; the difference (1 mm Hg every 10 years) was largely
a result of increased body mass index.
Lead author Dr. Rebecca Hardy commented,
"These findings highlight the importance of weight control
throughout life in the prevention of raised blood pressure during
middle age. Understanding the mechanisms linking the childhood socioeconomic
environment and adult body mass index may make prevention strategies
more effective."
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