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Infant blood pressure and heart rate: relation to ethnic group (black or white), nutrition and electrolyte intake

J Schachter, L H Kuller, J M Perkins

    American Journal of Epidemiology
    |August 1, 1979
    PubMed

    Insights

    Blood pressure tracking begins early in infancy. Infant sodium intake influences blood pressure differently in Black and white infants, suggesting early dietary interventions may be beneficial.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatrics
    • Cardiovascular Health
    • Nutritional Science

    Background:

    • Establishing early blood pressure (BP) norms is crucial for identifying potential cardiovascular risks.
    • Understanding factors influencing infant BP, such as diet and genetics, is essential for preventative health strategies.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate blood pressure tracking in infants from birth to six months.
    • To examine the relationship between feeding methods, infant characteristics, nutrient intake, and BP at six months.
    • To explore the influence of parental BP and infant electrolyte intake on infant BP, considering racial differences.

    Main Methods:

    • Blood pressure and heart rate were measured in 392 newborns and 318 infants at six months during non-rapid-eye-movement sleep.
    • Food intake was recorded for 150 infants at six months.
    • Statistical analyses were performed to assess BP tracking, correlations with feeding, weight, nutrient intake, and parental BP.

    Main Results:

    • Infant blood pressure showed tracking from six to 15 months (systolic r = .29, diastolic r = .45).
    • No significant associations were found between six-month BP and feeding type, infant weight, or general nutrient intake.
    • Infant sodium intake correlated with systolic BP differently across racial groups and in relation to maternal BP.

    Conclusions:

    • Early blood pressure tracking is evident in infancy.
    • Infant blood pressure is influenced by sodium intake, with distinct patterns observed in white and Black infants.
    • These findings highlight the potential role of early dietary factors, specifically sodium, in infant cardiovascular health and suggest race-specific considerations.

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