Links Between Maternal Cardiovascular Disease and the Health of Offspring

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Pediatrics
• Cardiology

Background:

• Maternal cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence is increasing globally during pregnancy.
• Rising rates of congenital heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity contribute to this trend.
• The impact of maternal CVD on offspring health across neonatal, childhood, and adolescent stages requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing literature on the effects of maternal cardiovascular and hypertensive diseases on offspring health.
• To explore the mechanisms, including the thrifty phenotype hypothesis, linking maternal CVD to offspring health outcomes.
• To identify potential long-term health repercussions for offspring born to mothers with CVD.

Main Methods:

• This study is a narrative review of scientific literature.
• The review focuses on research examining the impact of maternal cardiovascular and hypertensive disease on neonates, children, and adolescents.
• Key concepts explored include intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and the thrifty phenotype hypothesis.

Main Results:

• Maternal CVD is associated with a higher incidence of complications in newborns.
• The review supports the hypothesis that maternal CVD contributes to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
• IUGR, influenced by the thrifty phenotype hypothesis and vascular remodeling, can negatively impact offspring cardiovascular health throughout life.

Conclusions:

• Maternal CVD poses significant risks to offspring health, manifesting in immediate neonatal complications and long-term cardiovascular risks.
• The thrifty phenotype hypothesis offers a framework for understanding how maternal conditions affect fetal development and subsequent offspring health.
• Further research is essential to fully elucidate these mechanisms and develop effective preventive strategies and treatments to optimize offspring health outcomes.