Originally published October 31 2005
Fetal growth can predict future heart complications
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
A study conducted in Finland has shown that growth patterns established in the womb can predict heart troubles in old age.
Growth patterns established in the womb and early childhood predict who will develop heart problems as they age, according to a new study conducted in Finland.
Researchers have linked a birth weight under 6.6 pounds, a body mass index (BMI) below 16 at age 2, and a BMI above 17.5 at age 11 with a significantly increased risk of heart disease in adulthood.
People with these factors as children were three times more likely to develop heart problems as those whose BMIs fell from over 17 at age 2 to under 16 at age 11.
How does early growth impact heart disease risk?
The investigators believe the ratio of muscle to fat may hold the key.
They say babies who weigh less at birth have less muscle, and as they get older tend to put on proportionally more fat when they gain weight, especially when the weight gain is rapid.
This higher percentage of fat compared to muscle can lead to insulin resistance, which is known to increase the risk for heart disease.
What can parents do to ward off heart disease in their children?
The authors urge women to take care of themselves while they are pregnant to avoid having a low birth weight baby.
Then ensure their infants receive adequate nutrition so they gain enough weight early in life.
After that, children need to eat a nutritious diet and get plenty of physical activity so they don't gain too much weight too fast.
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week.
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