Programming of cardiovascular disease across the life-course

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Developmental Biology
• Public Health

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major global health burden, causing significant morbidity and mortality.
• While genetics and adult lifestyle are known risk factors, they don't fully explain population-level CVD variability.
• The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) framework suggests early life environment plays a key role in predisposing individuals to CVD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current understanding of the mechanisms behind CVD programming.
• To highlight the importance of early life environment in CVD development.
• To contribute to the special issue on Cardiovascular Aging.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on DOHaD and CVD.
• Synthesis of research on biological mechanisms linking early life exposures to CVD.
• Analysis of factors influencing CVD risk from developmental stages.

Main Results:

• Early life environmental exposures can program CVD risk through various biological pathways.
• These early-life influences interact with genetic and later-life factors.
• Understanding these programming mechanisms is essential for effective primary prevention.

Conclusions:

• CVD risk is influenced by a complex interplay of early life environment, genetics, and lifestyle.
• The DOHaD perspective offers new targets for CVD intervention and primary prevention.
• Further research into early life programming is vital for combating the global CVD epidemic.