The fetal origins of adult hypertension

Abstract

Aim: To elucidate the fetal origins of hypertension.

Methods: A systematic search was made for records of early growth, comprising measurements taken either at birth and/or during infancy, for groups of men and women now in middle-late life. Over 25,000 men and women born before 1931 were successfully traced.

Results: Retarded growth in fetal life was strongly related to high blood pressure in adult life.

Conclusion: Hypertension is programmed by an adverse environment in utero. It is linked to impaired development in both early and late gestation.