Fetal growth and coronary heart disease in South India

摘要: Summary Background Coronary heart disease is predicted to become the commonest cause of death in India within 15 years. People from living overseas already have high rates that are not explained by known coronary risk factors. Small size at birth a newly described factor for disease, but associations between and been examined India. Methods We studied 517 men women who were born 1934 1954 mission hospital Mysore, South India, still lived near hospital. related prevalence defined standard criteria, their size. Findings 25 (9%) 27 (11%) had disease. Low birthweight, short length, small head circumference associated with raised Prevalence fell 11% people whose birthweights 5·5 lb (2·5 kg) or less 3% those more than 7 (3·1 kg), p trend=0·09. The trends stronger statistically significant among aged 45 years over (p=0·03 0·04 0·02 circumference). High also found mothers low body weight during pregnancy. highest (20%) was weighed 100 (45 These largely independent Interpretation In as UK, birth, suggesting its pathogenesis influenced events utero. association maternal bodyweight further evidence originates through fetal undernutrition. Prevention rising epidemic may require improvements nutrition health young women. Lancet 1996; 348: 1269‐73 See Commentary page 1254