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The effects of birth weight and postnatal linear growth retardation on blood pressure at age 11-12 years

S P Walker1, P Gaskin, C A Powell

  • 1Epidemiology Research Unit, Tropical Medicine Research Institute, University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston 7, Jamaica. swalker@uwimona.edu.jm

Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
|May 15, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Early childhood stunting and low birth weight impact later blood pressure. Childhood growth patterns significantly influence blood pressure trajectories into adolescence.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Cardiovascular Epidemiology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Birth weight and early childhood linear growth retardation (stunting) are potential determinants of later cardiovascular health.
  • Understanding these early life influences is crucial for public health interventions.
  • The relationship between growth patterns and blood pressure is complex and requires longitudinal investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the long-term effects of birth weight and early childhood stunting on blood pressure at ages 11-12 years.
  • To examine the interplay between early growth, current weight, and blood pressure development.
  • To assess the impact of growth trajectories on blood pressure changes over time.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study conducted in Kingston, Jamaica.
  • Involved 112 stunted and 189 non-stunted children identified in early childhood (9-24 months).
  • Assessed blood pressure at age 11-12 years, considering birth weight and current weight.

Main Results:

  • Current weight was the strongest predictor of systolic blood pressure.
  • Lower birth weight predicted lower systolic blood pressure, even after adjusting for current weight.
  • Early childhood stunting interacted with current weight, amplifying the effect of weight on blood pressure.

Conclusions:

  • Birth weight is a significant predictor of blood pressure in pre-adolescent Jamaican children.
  • Postnatal growth retardation may exacerbate the association between current weight and blood pressure.
  • Weight gain between ages 7 and 11 is positively associated with increased systolic blood pressure, highlighting complex prenatal and postnatal growth influences.
Abstract

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