Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Analysis of Congenital Heart Defects in Mouse Embryos Using Qualitative and Quantitative Histological Methods
08:28

Analysis of Congenital Heart Defects in Mouse Embryos Using Qualitative and Quantitative Histological Methods

Published on: March 10, 2020

The infant growth of boys who later develop coronary heart disease

Tom J Forsén1, Johan G Eriksson, Clive Osmond

  • 1National Public Health Institute, Department of Epidemiology and Health Promotion, Diabetes and Genetic Epidemiology Unit, Helsinki, Finland.

Annals of Medicine
|October 14, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Poor infant growth, not just low birth weight, significantly predicts adult coronary heart disease risk. Faster weight gain in the first year is linked to lower heart disease incidence.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular epidemiology
  • Pediatric growth studies
  • Public health research

Background:

  • Established link between low birth weight and coronary heart disease (CHD).
  • Limited research on infant weight gain's impact on later CHD.
  • Need to understand early life factors influencing adult cardiovascular health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between infant growth patterns and the risk of developing coronary heart disease later in life.
  • To determine if infant growth is a stronger predictor of adult CHD than birth weight.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal cohort study of 2345 men born between 1934-1944.
  • Data collected on birth size, infant growth, and childhood development.
  • Follow-up to assess incidence of coronary heart disease in adulthood.

Main Results:

  • A significant inverse relationship observed between weight at one year and CHD risk (hazard ratio decreased 3-fold for heavier infants).
  • Infant growth impact on CHD risk was amplified by lower placental weight at birth.
  • Men from lower socio-economic status backgrounds exhibited slower infant weight gain and higher CHD rates.

Conclusions:

  • Poor infant growth and smaller size at one year are stronger predictors of adult coronary heart disease than low birth weight.
  • Early life growth trajectory is a critical factor in long-term cardiovascular health.
  • Socio-economic factors influence infant growth and subsequent CHD risk.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray01:20

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray

The most common cardiovascular diagnostic test is an X-ray. It produces images of the heart, blood vessels, and adjacent structures.
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
Development of the Heart01:27

Development of the Heart

The development of the human heart, a crucial organ, commences from the mesoderm on the 18th or 19th day after fertilization. This process initiates in the cardiogenic area, a group of mesodermal cells at the embryo's head end, which evolves into elongated strands known as cardiogenic cords. These cords undergo a transformation to form hollow-centered endocardial tubes.
As the embryo undergoes lateral folding, these paired tubes approach each other, merging into a single primitive heart tube by...
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...