International Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 33, Number 1, pp. 154-161
IJE vol.33 no.1 © International Epidemiological Association 2004; all rights reserved.
Special Theme: Perinatal and early-life influences on disease |
Birthweight and arterial stiffness and blood pressure in adulthood—Results from the Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study
1 Institute for Research in Extramural Medicine (EMGO-institute), VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
2 Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
3 Institute for Cardiovascular Research and Department of Internal Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
4 Department of Social Medicine and Body@Work research centre for physical activity, work and health TNO-VU, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Correspondence: Prof dr HCG Kemper, Institute for Extramural Medicine (EMGO-institute), VU University Medical Center, Officia 1, De Boelelaan 7, 1083 HJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands. E-mail: hcg.kemper.emgo{at}med.vu.nl
Background The association between low birthweight and increased blood pressure in later life has repeatedly been confirmed. Increased arterial stiffness may be an underlying mechanism for this phenomenon. This study investigated whether birthweight was related to blood pressure and local and regional arterial stiffness.
Methods In 281 subjects (161 women), with a mean age of 36, blood pressure was measured. The diameter, distension, and local pulse pressure of three large arteries were measured simultaneously using ultrasound imaging. Local and regional arterial compliance and distensibility were calculated. Information on birthweight was retrieved with a questionnaire.
Results Linear regression analyses showed a 3.3 mmHg lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) and a 1.8 mmHg lower diastolic blood pressure (DBP), per 1kg higher birthweight. These associations were statistically significant after adjustment for adult weight. Birthweight was significantly and positively related to carotid arterial compliance (P = 0.050), but less so to brachial (P = 0.114) and femoral arterial compliance (P = 0.058). However, after adjustment for adult height, the strength of these associations decreased. Birthweight was not related to arterial distensibility. The association between birthweight and arterial compliance could only partly explain the association between birthweight and blood pressure.
Conclusions Lower birthweight is related to increased blood pressure, and increased arterial stiffness. However, the latter relationship can only partly explain the association between birthweight and blood pressure. Therefore, mechanisms other than arterial stiffness contribute to the birthweight—blood pressure relationship.
Keywords Birthweight, blood pressure, arterial stiffness
Accepted 4 August 2003
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