Fetal origins of cardiovascular risk: evidence from studies in children

Abstract

Increasing evidence has suggested that events occurring before birth and in infancy may influence the risk of adult cardiovascular disease. A remarkable series of historical cohort studies has demonstrated associations between small size at birth and increased prevalence of mortality from adult cardiovascular disease. Associations have also been demonstrated between size in early life and adult cardiovascular risk factors. Small size at birth or in infancy has been consistently related to higher levels of adult blood pressure, glucose intolerance and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. A smaller number of studies have also suggested associations between small size at birth and elevated levels of total and LDL-cholesterol and plasma fibrinogen.