Cardiometabolic health during early adulthood and risk of miscarriage: a prospective study

Background: Several studies have found that women who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of miscarriage. There is also some evidence of associations of other aspects of cardiometabolic health, including blood pressure and lipids, with miscarriage risk, although these have not been examined to the same extent as body-mass index (BMI). Methods: Our objective was to investigate the risk of miscarriage according to pre-pregnancy cardiometabolic health. We examined pre-pregnancy levels of BMI, blood pressure, fasting insulin and metabolites profile at age 18 and risk of miscarriage by age 24. The study included adult female offspring in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children with a pregnancy between 18 and 24 years of age (n=434 for BMI and blood pressure; n=265 for metabolites). We used log-binomial regression to calculate adjusted associations between cardiometabolic health measures and miscarriage. Results: The overall risk of miscarriage was 22%. The adjusted relative risks for miscarriage were 0.96 (95% CI: 0.92-1.00) for BMI (per unit increase), 0.98 (0.96-1.00) for systolic blood pressure, and 1.00 (0.97-1.04) for diastolic blood pressure (per 1 mmHg increase). Total cholesterol, total lipids and phospholipids in HDL-cholesterol were associated with increased likelihood of miscarriage, but none of the p-values for the metabolites were below the corrected threshold for multiple testing (p-value ≤0.003). Conclusions: Our findings indicate no strong evidence to support a relationship between pre-pregnancy cardiometabolic health and risk of miscarriage in young, healthy women who became pregnant before age 24. Future studies are necessary that are able to evaluate this question in samples with a wider age range.

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Cardiometabolic health during early adulthood and risk of miscarriage: a prospective study

Wellcome Open Research ◽

10.12688/wellcomeopenres.16245.1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 ◽

pp. 205

Author(s):

Maria C. Magnus ◽

Diana D. S. Ferreira ◽

Maria Carolina Borges ◽

Kate Tilling ◽

Deborah A. Lawlor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Multiple Testing ◽

Early Adulthood ◽

Hdl Cholesterol ◽

Female Offspring ◽

Cardiometabolic Health ◽

P Value ◽

Relative Risks ◽

Parents And Children ◽

Increased Risk

Background: Several studies have found that women who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of miscarriage. There is also some evidence of associations of other aspects of cardiometabolic health, including blood pressure and lipids, with miscarriage risk, although these have not been examined to the same extent as body-mass index (BMI). Methods: Our objective was to investigate the risk of miscarriage according to pre-pregnancy cardiometabolic health. We examined pre-pregnancy levels of BMI, blood pressure, fasting insulin and metabolites profile at age 18 and risk of miscarriage by age 24. The study included adult female offspring in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children with a pregnancy between 18 and 24 years of age (n=434 for BMI and blood pressure; n=265 for metabolites). We used log-binomial regression to calculate adjusted associations between cardiometabolic health measures and miscarriage. Results: The overall risk of miscarriage was 22%. The adjusted relative risks for miscarriage were 0.96 (95% CI: 0.92-1.00) for BMI (per unit increase), 0.98 (0.96-1.00) for systolic blood pressure, and 1.00 (0.97-1.04) for diastolic blood pressure (per 1 mmHg increase). Total cholesterol, total lipids and phospholipids in HDL-cholesterol were associated with increased likelihood of miscarriage, but none of the p-values for the metabolites were below the corrected threshold for multiple testing (p-value ≤0.003). Conclusions: Pre-pregnancy cardiometabolic health in late adolescence was not associated with miscarriage risk in young, healthy women who became pregnant before age 24.

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Abstract P058: Elevated Systolic Blood Pressure is Associated with Mortality in Faster, but Not Slower Walking Elderly Adults

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.125.suppl_10.ap058 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 125 (suppl_10) ◽

Author(s):

Michelle C Odden ◽

Carmen A Peralta ◽

Mary N Haan ◽

Kenneth E Covinsky

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

At Risk ◽

High Blood Pressure ◽

Walking Speed ◽

Mortality Data ◽

P Value ◽

Elderly Adults ◽

Risk Of Death ◽

Risk Of Mortality ◽

Increased Risk

Introduction: The association between high blood pressure (BP) and risk of death varies by age and appears to be attenuated in some elderly adults. Walking speed is an excellent measure of functional status and may identify which elders may be most at risk for the adverse consequences of hypertension. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that elevated BP would be associated with greater risk of mortality in faster walkers, but not in slower walkers. Methods: The study population included 2,340 persons ≥ 65 years, with measured BP, in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) waves 1999-2000 and 2001-2002. Mortality data was linked to death certificate data in the National Death Index. Walking speed was measured over a 20-foot walk; 243 (8%) did not complete the walk for various safety and logistical reasons. Participants with walking speed above the mean (2.7 ft/sec) were classified as faster walkers. Potential confouders included age, sex, race, survey year, lifestyle and physiologic factors, chronic health conditions, and antihypertensive use. Results: There were 589 deaths recorded through December 31 st , 2006. Among faster walkers, those with elevated systolic BP (≥140 mmHg) had a higher mortality rate compared to those with systolic BP <140 mmHg (236 vs. 161 per 100,000 person-years). Among slower walkers, mortality rates did not appear to differ by the presence of elevated systolic BP (586 vs. 563 per 100,000 person-years). This pattern remained after multivariable adjustment; there was an association between elevated systolic BP and mortality in faster, but not slower walkers (Table). Elevated diastolic BP was not independently associated with an increased risk of mortality. Conclusions: If confirmed in other studies, walking speed could be a simple measure to identify elderly adults who are most at risk for poor outcomes related to high blood pressure. Table Association of elevated blood pressure and mortality, stratified by walking speed Hazard Ratio (HR) of Death Faster Walking Speed >2.7 ft/sec (n = 1,279) Slower Walking Speed ≤ 2.7 ft/sec (n = 818) p-value for interaction HR (95% CI) p-value HR (95% CI) p-value Elevated Systolic BP (≥140 mmHg) 1.44 (1.04, 1.99) 0.03 1.08 (0.82, 1.42) 0.56 0.11 Elevated Diastolic BP (≥90 mmHg) 1.09 (0.52, 2.27) 0.82 0.65 (0.30, 1.45) 0.28 0.28 Funding (This research has received full or partial funding support from the American Heart Association, Western States Affiliate (California, Nevada&Utah))

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Blood pressure, hypertension and the risk of sudden cardiac death: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

European Journal of Epidemiology ◽

10.1007/s10654-019-00593-4 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 35 (5) ◽

pp. 443-454 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Han Pan ◽

Makoto Hibino ◽

Elsa Kobeissi ◽

Dagfinn Aune

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Sudden Cardiac Death ◽

Cardiac Death ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Dose Response Relationship ◽

Future Studies ◽

Relative Risks ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Hypertension Diagnosis

AbstractCardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, while sudden cardiac death (SCD) accounts for over 60% of all cardiovascular deaths. Elevated blood pressure and hypertension have been associated with increased risk of SCD, but the findings have not been consistent. To clarify whether blood pressure or hypertension is associated with increased risk of SCD and to quantify the size and the shape of any association observed. PubMed and Embase databases were searched for published prospective studies on blood pressure or hypertension and SCD up to 30 April 2018. Summary relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random effects model. The meta-analysis included 2939 SCDs among 418,235 participants from 18 studies. The summary RRs were 2.10 (95% CI 1.71–2.58, I2 = 56.7%, pheterogeneity = 0.018, n = 10) for prevalent hypertension, 1.28 (95% CI 1.19–1.38, I2 = 45.5%, pheterogeneity = 0.07, n = 10) per 20 mmHg increment in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 1.09 (95% CI 0.83–1.44, I2 = 83.4%, pheterogeneity = 0.002, n = 3) per 10 mmHg increment in diastolic blood pressure (DBP). A nonlinear relationship was suggested between SBP and SCD. The results persisted in most subgroup and sensitivity analyses. There was no evidence of publication bias. This meta-analysis found an increased risk of SCD with hypertension diagnosis and increasing SBP. Future studies should clarify the association for DBP and the shape of the dose–response relationship between blood pressure and SCD.

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Circadian dysrhythm and advanced prostate cancer.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2014.32.4_suppl.199 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 32 (4_suppl) ◽

pp. 199-199

Author(s):

Lorelei A. Mucci ◽

Sarah Markt ◽

Lara Sigurdardottir ◽

Steven W. Lockley ◽

Katja Fall ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prostate Cancer ◽

Circadian Rhythm ◽

Advanced Prostate Cancer ◽

Clock Genes ◽

Sleep Problems ◽

P Value ◽

Relative Risks ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Falling Asleep

199 Background: The circadian rhythm regulates diverse biologic pathways including tumor oncogenes, metabolism, and cell proliferation. Dysregulation of the circadian rhythm arises from faulty input signals such as exposure to light at night, variability in core circadian rhythm genes, and variation in outputs that regulate circadian behavior including melatonin. There is compelling biologic rationale, but little human data, on circadian dysrhythm and advanced prostate cancer. Methods: We undertook an integrative molecular epidemiology study of circadian dysrhythm and advanced prostate cancer among men in the Icelandic AGES-Reykjavik cohort and the U.S. Health Professionals Follow-up Study, which allowed integration of questionnaire data, biorepositories, and long-term follow-up. We characterized circadian dysrhythm using complimentary approaches: information on sleep problems from questionnaires, prediagnostic melatonin (6-sulfatoxymelatonin) measured on first morning void urine samples, and genetic variation across twelve circadian clock genes. We used multivariable regression models to estimate relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of associations with advanced prostate cancer, adjusted for potential confounders. Results: Twenty percent of men reported sleep problems. Men who had trouble falling asleep (RR = 2.1; 95% CI 0.7-6.2) and staying asleep (RR=3.2, 95% CI 1.1-9.7) had an increased risk of developing advanced prostate cancer. Men with sleep problems had significantly lower melatonin levels compared to those without. Low melatonin levels were associated with a statistically significant 4-fold higher risk of advanced prostate cancer compared to those with high levels (95% CI: 1.25-10.0). Variant alleles in two SNPs in cryptochrome (CRY1), involved in generating and maintaining circadian rhythms, were significantly associated with risk of advanced prostate cancer in both cohorts, with a gene-level p-value<0.01. Conclusions: Our results suggest there are multiple nodes in the circadian rhythm that are associated with an increased risk of advanced prostate cancer. As such, there is the potential for complimentary strategies to target circadian disruption and reduce the risk of advanced prostate cancer.

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Relation between Birth Weight, Growth, and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Adulthood

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2015/926912 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Maria Helena Valente ◽

Filumena Maria da Silva Gomes ◽

Isabela Judith Martins Benseñor ◽

Alexandra Valéria Maria Brentani ◽

Ana Maria de Ulhôa Escobar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Weight Gain ◽

Subclinical Atherosclerosis ◽

Hdl Cholesterol ◽

Intima Media Thickness ◽

First Year ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Low Hdl ◽

Right Lobe ◽

First Year Of Life

Background and Objectives.Adverse conditions in the prenatal environment and in the first years of life are independently associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. This paper aims to study the relation between birthweight, growth in the first year of life, and subclinical atherosclerosis in adults.Methods.88 adults aged between 20 and 31 were submitted to sociodemographic qualities, anthropometric data, blood pressure measurements, metabolic profile, and evaluation of subclinical atherosclerosis.Results.Birthweight <2,500 grams (g) was negatively correlated with (a) increased waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), according to regression coefficient (RC) equal to −0.323, 95% CI [−0.571, −0.075]P<0.05; (b) diastolic blood pressure (RC = −4.744, 95% CI [−9.017, −0.470]P<0.05); (c) low HDL-cholesterol (RC = −0.272, 95% CI [−0.516, −0.029]P<0.05); (d) frequency of intima-media thickness (IMT) of left carotid >75th percentile (RC = −0.242, 95% CI [−0.476, −0.008]P<0.05). Birthweight >3,500 g was associated with (a) BMI >25.0 kg/m2, (RC = 0.317, 95% CI [0.782, 0.557]P<0.05); (b) increased waist circumference (RC = 0.284, 95% CI [0.054, 0.513]P<0.05); (c) elevated WHR (RC = 0.280, 95% CI [0.054, 0.505]P<0.05); (d) minimum subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) (RC = 4.354, 95% CI [0.821, 7.888]P<0.05); (e) maximum SAT (RC = 7.095, 95% CI [0.608, 13.583]P<0.05); (f) right lobe of the liver side (RC = 6.896, 95% CI [1.946, 11.847]P<0.001); (g) frequency’s right lobe of the liver >75th percentile (RC = 0.361, 95% CI [0.169, 0.552]P<0.001). Weight gain in the first year of life was inversely correlated with (a) mean IMT of left carotid (RC = −0.046, 95% CI [−0.086, −0.006]P<0.05; (b) frequency IMT of left carotid >75th percentile (RC = −0.253, 95% CI [−0.487, −0.018]P<0.05); (c) mean IMT (RC = −0.038, 95% CI [0.073, −0.002]P<0.05); (d) the frequency of the mean IMT >75th percentile (RC = −0.241, 95% CI [−0.442, −0.041]P<0.05).Conclusions.Adults birthweight <2,500 g and >3,500 g and with insufficient weight gain in the first year of life have showed different metabolic phenotypes, but all of them were related to subclinical atherosclerosis.

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Diet quality and cardiometabolic health in childhood: the Generation R Study

European Journal of Nutrition ◽

10.1007/s00394-021-02673-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Noreen Z. Siddiqui ◽

Anh N. Nguyen ◽

Susana Santos ◽

Trudy Voortman

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Diet Quality ◽

Cardiometabolic Risk ◽

Factor Score ◽

Hdl Cholesterol ◽

Cardiometabolic Health ◽

Cardiometabolic Risk Factor ◽

Fat Percentage ◽

Risk Factor Score

Abstract Purpose Diet is an important determinant of cardiometabolic disease risk in adults. We aimed to study associations of diet quality with cardiometabolic health in school-age children. Methods This study was embedded in the Generation R Study a prospective population-based cohort in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and included 3991 children. Food intake was assessed with a Food-Frequency Questionnaire at age 8 years. A diet quality score (0–10) was calculated reflecting adherence to age-specific dietary guidelines. The following outcome variables were measured at age 10 years and used to create a continuous cardiometabolic risk factor score: body fat percentage, insulin, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Outcomes were expressed in age- and sex-specific standard deviation scores (SDS). Multivariable linear regression models were used to assess associations between the diet quality score and the cardiometabolic risk factor score and with the individual cardiometabolic risk factors. Results In models adjusted for socioeconomic and lifestyle factors and BMI, a higher diet quality was associated with a lower cardiometabolic risk factor score [− 0.08 per point higher diet score, (95% CI − 0.15, − 0.001)]. This association was mainly driven by associations of higher diet quality with lower systolic [− 0.04 SD (95% CI − 0.06, − 0.01)] and diastolic blood pressure [− 0.05 SD, (95% CI − 0.07, − 0.02)]. No statistically significant associations were found for insulin, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, or body fat percentage as individual factors. Conclusions We found an association between higher diet quality and better cardiometabolic health in childhood, mainly driven by a lower blood pressure. Further research is needed to explore associations of diet quality in childhood with long-term cardiometabolic health.

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Weekly variation in markers of cardiometabolic health – the possible effect of weekend behavior – a cross-sectional study

BMC Cardiovascular Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12872-020-01692-x ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Louise Sølund Hansen ◽

Marlene Rosager Lund Pedersen ◽

Jakob Tarp ◽

Anna Bugge ◽

Niels Wedderkopp ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Hdl Cholesterol ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cardiometabolic Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Gradual Improvement ◽

School Based ◽

Mixed Regression ◽

Health Related ◽

Cardiometabolic Profile

Abstract Background Adolescents’ health-related behavior varies from weekday to weekend. Only few studies, however, have examined to which degree such variation will affect markers of cardiometabolic health. Therefore, the primary aim of this study is to examine if markers of cardiometabolic health differ between different days of the week in adolescents. Methods This cross-sectional school-based study included up to 581 participants, 11–17 years old. Markers of metabolic health were insulin, glucose, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and blood pressure. Linear mixed regression modelling was used to examine the cardiometabolic profile across weekdays. Results Significant declining trends were observed across the week in adolescents’ levels of cardiometabolic health markers. Lower levels of insulin (16.1%), glucose (2.6%) and triglyceride (24.7%) were observed on Fridays compared to Mondays (p ≤ 0.006). Gradual improvement in measurement profiles across weekdays was less apparent for HDL-C, LDL-C, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure (P ≥ 0.06). Analyses stratified by sex suggested a more noticeable pattern of gradual improvement across weekdays in boys than in girls. Conclusion Significantly lower levels of insulin, glucose and triglyceride were observed in adolescents on Fridays compared to Mondays. However, when sex specific analyses were performed significant profile variations were only observed across the week in boys. More research is needed to better understand which behavioral factors in particular seem to influence weekly variation in markers of cardiometabolic health - especially since such variation potentially will have an impact on how assessments of markers of cardiometabolic health optimally should be planned, standardized and carried out, both in research and in medical practice.

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P1270 Systolic blood pressure at age 40 is associated with left atrial volumes at age 64

European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging ◽

10.1093/ehjci/jez319.720 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

P Selmer Roenningen ◽

T Berge ◽

M G Solberg ◽

S Enger ◽

S Nygaard ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Systolic Blood Pressure ◽

Left Atrial ◽

Early Adulthood ◽

P Value ◽

Systolic Volume ◽

End Diastolic Volume ◽

Cardiovascular Morbidity And Mortality ◽

End Systolic Volume ◽

Screening Survey

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Vestre Viken Hospital Trust Background Left atrial (LA) enlargement is associated with elevated blood pressure (BP) and with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In the assessment of LA size, echocardiographic guidelines recommend the use of LA end-systolic volume (LAVmax). LA end-diastolic volume (LAVmin) and LA emptying fraction (LAEF) may add valuable information in risk assessment. The knowledge of early adulthood BP and its association to LA volumes and LAEF later in life is limited. Purpose To explore the association between systolic BP at age 40 and LA volumes and LAEF at age 64. Methods We linked data from subjects who had participated in both a nationwide cardiovascular screening survey (1990-1991) at the age of 40, and the Akershus Cardiac Examination (ACE) 1950 Study (2012-2015) at the age of 64 (n = 2,597). In the ACE 1950 Study, LAVmax and LAVmin were measured with echocardiography according to the summation of discs method. LAEF was calculated as (LAVmax-LAVmin/LAVmax)x100%. The association between systolic BP at age 40 and LA volumes and LAEF at age 64 was assessed in univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses. Results Systolic BP at age 40 was associated with LAVmax and LAVmin but not with LAEF at age 64. In our multivariate model, a 10 mm Hg higher systolic BP at age 40 was associated with a 0.9 ml greater LA end-systolic volume and a 0.5 ml greater LA end-diastolic volume at age 64. Conclusion Early adulthood systolic BP is associated with LA volumes 24 years later in life. Table. Association of systolic blood pressure at age 40 to left atrial (LA) volumes and LAEF at age 64 Univariate Multivariate* Dependent variable B (95% CI) p-value B (95% CI) p-value LAVmax (ml) 2.4 (2.0, 2.9) <0.001 0.9 (0.4, 1.4) 0.001 LAVmin (ml) 1.5 (1.1, 1.8) <0.001 0.5 (0.1, 0.9) 0.015 LAEF (%) -0.01 (-0.3, 0.3) 0.938 0.2 (-0.2, 0.5) 0.294 *Adjusted for gender, body mass index, smoking, resting heart rate and antihypertensive treatment, all assessed at age 40. B (95% CI), regression coefficient for systolic blood pressure (per 10 mm Hg) with 95% confidence interval; LAVmax, LA end-systolic volume; LAVmin LA end-diastolic volume; LAEF, LA emptying fraction

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Abstract MP15: Single And Joint Associations Of Genetic Variants In The Serum/glucocorticoid Regulated Kinase (sgk) Genes With Blood Pressure Responses To Sodium Intake: The Gensalt Study

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.129.suppl_1.mp15 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 129 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Changwei Li ◽

Xueli Yang ◽

Jiang He ◽

James E Hixson ◽

Dongfeng Gu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Multiple Testing ◽

Sodium Intake ◽

Critical Role ◽

Salt Sensitivity ◽

P Value ◽

Association Analyses ◽

High Sodium ◽

Single Marker ◽

Blood Pressure Responses

Background: Serum and glucocorticoid regulated kinase (SGK) plays a critical role in the regulation of renal sodium transport. We examined the association between SGK genes and salt sensitivity of blood pressure (BP) using single-marker and gene-based association analyses. Methods: A 7-day low-sodium (51.3 mmol sodium/day) followed by a 7-day high-sodium intervention (307.8 mmol sodium/day) was conducted among 1,906 Chinese participants. BP measurements were obtained at baseline and each intervention using a random-zero sphygmomanometer. Additive associations between each SNP and salt-sensitivity phenotypes were assessed using a mixed linear regression model to account for family dependencies. Gene-based analyses were conducted using the truncated p-value method. The Bonferroni-method was used to adjust for multiple testing in all analyses. Results: In single-marker association analyses, SGK1 marker rs2758151 was significantly associated with diastolic BP (DBP) response to high-sodium intervention (P=0.0010). DBP responses (95% confidence interval) to high-sodium intervention for genotypes C/C, C/T, and T/T were 2.04 (1.57 to 2.52), 1.79 (1.42 to 2.16), and 0.85 (0.30 to 1.41) mmHg, respectively. Similar non-significant trends were observed for SBP and MAP responses (P=0.15 and 0.0026, respectively). In addition, gene-based analyses demonstrated significant associations between SGK1 and SBP, DBP and MAP responses to high sodium intervention (P=0.0002, 0.0076, and 0.00001, respectively). Neither SGK2 nor SGK3 were associated with the salt-sensitivity phenotypes in single-maker and gene-based analyses. Conclusions: The current study identified single-marker and gene-based association of the SGK1 gene and BP salt-sensitivity in the Han Chinese population. Further studies are warranted to identify causal SGK1 gene variants.

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Preeclampsia Emerging as a Novel Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease in the Offspring

Current Pediatric Reviews ◽

10.2174/1573396316666191224092405 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. 194-199

Author(s):

Ageliki A. Karatza ◽

Gabriel Dimitriou

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Neonatal Morbidity ◽

Intima Media Thickness ◽

Later Life ◽

Experimental Models ◽

Cardiometabolic Health ◽

High Risk Population ◽

Increased Risk

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy specific disorder which affects 2%-8% of all gestations and is associated with high maternal, fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. There is no “cure” for the disease except for early delivery of the fetus and placenta, however leaving preeclampsia a long term health risk both for mothers and infants. Aim: The aim of the study is to review currently available information linking preclampsia to longterm cardiovascular complications in infants and children. Results: Currently, there is evidence of predisposition to cardiovascular disease, and a higher incidence of cardiovascular risk factors among children born to preeclamptic mothers. Both in experimental models and human epidemiological studies it is now clear that the infants of pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia have an increased risk of developing high blood pressure and double the risk of stroke in later life. Preeclampsia is consistently associated with higher blood pressure and body mass index as early as 4–10 years of age. Also there is some evidence of higher cardiovascular risk in adults exposed to maternal hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. It seems that preeclampsia has an impact on the cardiovascular system independent of preterm birth and is associated with endothelial dysfunction, increased carotid intima media thickness and reductions in cardiac function that cannot be accounted for by prematurity alone. Conclusion: Taking into consideration the currently available evidence, it can now be suggested that preeclampsia is linked to adverse effects on the cardiometabolic health of the infant. Understanding the relationship between preeclampsia and cardiovascular disease will allow for implementation of early interventions to prevent or delay the onset of adverse events in this high risk population.

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