Fetal and Infant Growth and the Cardiovascular Stress Response in Adolescence: A Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study in a Pediatric Population-Based Cohort.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Abnormal birth weight and infant weight gain are recognized as risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Exercise testing can detect subtle differences in cardiovascular function not present at rest. We examined associations of fetal and infant growth with the cardiovascular stress response in adolescence.

Methods

We examined a subsample of 207 children from a population-based prospective cohort from fetal life onwards. Fetal and infant growth were assessed from the second trimester to 2 years. At 16 years, participants performed an isometric handgrip exercise with continuous heart rate and blood pressure monitoring and cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Children showed a clear peak in heart rate and sys

SUBMITTER: Kamphuis ASJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12533676 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature