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Published on: January 7, 2018
Preterm Birth and Hypertension: Is There a Link?
Mariane Bertagnolli1, Thuy Mai Luu2, Adam James Lewandowski3
1Department of Pediatrics, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, Université de Montréal, 3175 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1C5, Canada. mariane.b@gmail.com.
Insights
Perinatal factors like preterm birth are linked to adult hypertension. This review explores how preterm birth complications may cause early cardiovascular changes, increasing hypertension risk later in life.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Perinatal Medicine
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Perinatal factors significantly influence long-term health, particularly hypertension.
- Preterm birth is associated with elevated blood pressure in adulthood.
- Pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction are common in preterm births.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence linking preterm birth to cardiovascular alterations.
- To explore mechanisms connecting preterm birth to adult hypertension risk.
- To highlight developmental impacts on cardiovascular health.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on preterm birth and cardiovascular outcomes.
- Analysis of mechanisms underlying preterm birth-related cardiovascular changes.
- Synthesis of evidence on hypertension risk in preterm-born individuals.
Main Results:
- Preterm birth is associated with early cardiovascular alterations.
- Pregnancy complications during gestation contribute to offspring hypertension risk.
- Both genetic and pathophysiological factors link preterm birth to chronic hypertension.
Conclusions:
- Preterm birth and associated conditions are critical determinants of adult cardiovascular health.
- Understanding these links is crucial for preventing hypertension in preterm-born individuals.
- Further research into developmental pathways can inform targeted interventions.
Abstract:
Factors in perinatal life have recently been recognized as determinants of later life health and diseases, especially hypertension. The detection of higher values of blood pressure in preterm-born individuals reaching adulthood has turned the attention to preterm birth-related complications and deleterious conditions as factors triggering early cardiovascular alterations, which may increase hypertension risk and associated complications in this population. Further, preterm birth is frequently associated with pregnancy complications such as lower placental perfusion, increased blood pressure in the mother and preeclampsia, often resulting in intrauterine growth restriction. These conditions further impact the risk of hypertension in the offspring whether through inherited genetic factors or perpetuated pathophysiology leading to preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and chronic hypertension. In this review, we will highlight evidence of developmental cardiovascular alterations and potential mechanisms linking preterm birth to the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases into adulthood.
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