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Published on: December 7, 2013

Early growth and later atherosclerosis

Atul Singhal1

  • 1Childhood Nutrition Research Centre, University College London, Institute of Child Health, London, UK. a.singhal@ich.ucl.ac.uk

World Review of Nutrition and Dietetics
|February 23, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Accelerated infant growth is linked to long-term health risks, including cardiovascular disease. Early life interventions are crucial for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Area of Science:

  • Developmental biology
  • Cardiovascular health
  • Public health

Background:

  • Long-term biological effects of early growth are well-established in animal models.
  • Emerging human studies demonstrate a significant influence of early growth on later health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence linking infant growth patterns to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.
  • To explore the biological mechanisms and public health implications of early growth on later health.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing scientific literature and experimental data.
  • Analysis of prospective randomized controlled trials on infant growth and cardiovascular risk.

Main Results:

  • Accelerated infant growth is associated with increased risk of obesity, glucose intolerance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia.
  • These factors collectively predispose individuals to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD).
  • Evidence strongly supports a causal link between infant growth and later cardiovascular risk.

Conclusions:

  • Primary prevention of CVD should commence in early infancy.
  • Understanding early growth's impact is vital for public health strategies targeting cardiovascular disease.

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