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[Childhood's determinants for high blood pressure in adulthood]

Barbara S Bucher1, Sibyelle Tschumi, Giacomo D Simonetti

  • 1Pädiatrische Nephrologie, Medizinische Universitäts-Kinderklinik, Inselspital, Bern.

Therapeutische Umschau. Revue Therapeutique
|May 2, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Hypertension affects adults and is a risk factor for cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Prevention starts in childhood by identifying risk factors like obesity and recognizing at-risk groups.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Context:

  • Hypertension impacts 20-25% of adults, a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (coronary heart disease, stroke) and chronic kidney insufficiency.
  • The interplay of genetic and environmental factors influences blood pressure levels.
  • Historical data links cardiovascular disease with infant mortality, and Barker's work highlighted low birth weight as a risk factor for adult cardiovascular complications.

Purpose:

  • To explore the concept of "fetal programming" where intrauterine factors influence adult cardiovascular diseases.
  • To examine how childhood blood pressure, influenced by fetal programming and other factors, tracks into adulthood.
  • To emphasize early childhood prevention of cardiovascular disease by identifying modifiable risk factors and high-risk groups.

Summary:

  • Factors influencing intrauterine growth and development may predispose individuals to adult cardiovascular diseases (fetal programming).
  • Childhood blood pressure levels, determined by fetal programming and other factors, predict adult blood pressure through tracking.
  • Cardiovascular disease prevention in adulthood is initiated in childhood through risk factor identification (e.g., obesity, passive smoking) and recognizing at-risk infants (e.g., small for gestational age, preterm).

Impact:

  • Highlights the critical role of fetal programming and early life factors in adult cardiovascular health.
  • Underscores the importance of childhood blood pressure monitoring and intervention.
  • Provides a framework for public health strategies focused on preventing cardiovascular disease from early life stages.

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