Preterm birth and cardiac function in adulthood

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Neonatology
• Public Health

Background:

• Preterm birth affects 1 in 10 pregnancies globally, with rising survival rates.
• Long-term survivors of preterm birth exhibit increased cardiovascular risk factors and heart disease as they age.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current evidence on elevated heart failure rates in preterm-born individuals.
• To explore mechanisms linking preterm birth to cardiac alterations and heart failure.
• To discuss implications for adult physicians managing this population.

Main Methods:

• Review of current scientific literature on preterm birth and cardiovascular outcomes.
• Analysis of cardiovascular imaging findings in preterm-born adults.
• Discussion of potential etiological mechanisms, including comorbidities and developmental impacts.

Main Results:

• Preterm-born individuals show higher rates of heart failure and ischaemic heart disease.
• Cardiovascular imaging reveals smaller cardiac chambers, altered myocardial mass, and impaired ventricular function, especially under stress.
• Potential mechanisms include impacts on myocardial and vascular development, perinatal hemodynamics, and chronic lung disease.

Conclusions:

• Individuals born preterm represent a population at higher risk for developing heart failure with age.
• Understanding the specific cardiac adaptations and risks associated with preterm birth is crucial for long-term health management.
• Further research is needed to address knowledge gaps and optimize patient care for adult survivors of preterm birth.