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Smaller coronary artery size in adults born preterm

Gregory P Barton1, Kavita Sharma2, Tarique Hussain2

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.

Pediatric Research
|May 13, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Adults born preterm have smaller coronary arteries, particularly males. This finding suggests a potentially higher risk for coronary artery disease and ischemic heart conditions later in life for this population.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular imaging
  • Neonatal medicine
  • Adult cardiology

Background:

  • Preterm birth is linked to adult morbidity, including heart disease.
  • Previous studies noted smaller coronary arteries in preterm children, but not adults.
  • This study investigated coronary artery size in adults born preterm.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if adults born preterm have reduced coronary artery size.
  • To assess the influence of prematurity and sex on coronary artery dimensions.

Main Methods:

  • Cardiac MRI at 1.5T was used to assess cardiac structure and function.
  • 3D bSSFP coronary magnetic resonance angiography imaged left main, LAD, and RCA.
  • Area and diameter of coronary arteries were measured.

Main Results:

  • Young adults born preterm showed smaller left main, LAD, and RCA area and diameter.
  • A dose-dependent effect of prematurity was observed after adjusting for sex and LV mass.
  • Reductions were most pronounced in males born preterm, while females had smaller arteries regardless of birth status.

Conclusions:

  • Adults born preterm exhibit smaller coronary artery size compared to term-born adults.
  • These reductions are significantly influenced by sex, with males showing the most substantial decreases.
  • Smaller coronary arteries may contribute to increased risk of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease in preterm-born adults, especially males.
Abstract

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