Severe Malnutrition in Childhood Increases the Risk of Hypertension in Adulthood

A new research identifies a strong association between childhood malnutrition and increased risk of hypertension in adulthood.

Inadequate nutrition before birth up to the age of 5 years might affect the development of the heart. According to the study, conducted by researchers at the University of the West Indies, Mona, severe malnutrition in childhood elevates the risk of high blood pressure in adulthood and this impacts the global health significantly.

"If nutritional needs are not met during this time, when structures of the body are highly susceptible to potentially irreversible change, it could have long-term consequences on heart anatomy and blood flow later in life," said Terrence Forrester, Ph.D., study senior of the study. "We are concerned that millions of people globally who suffer malnutrition before or after birth are at increased risk of hypertension in later life."

The study included 116 adults who suffered from malnutrition while growing up in Jamaica. They were then compared to 45 men and women who received adequate nutrition during childhood. Most of the participants were between the age group of 20-30 years. The height, weight and blood pressure levels of the participants were examined. Apart from this, they also underwent echocardiograms or imaging tests so that their hearts' function could be evaluated.

On comparing the participants, the researchers noticed that those who survived early childhood malnutrition had higher diastolic blood pressure readings as well as higher peripheral resistance. Their hearts were also less efficient in pumping blood.

These factors clearly indicate towards the increased risk for high blood pressure that is considered as a major factor for heart diseases as well as stroke. In developing countries, severe malnutrition is extremely prevalent; in fact, poverty and hunger still exists in the United States.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly 8.3 million children thrived in food-insecure households in 2012. Food insecurity indicates that these households were uncertain of having or unable to acquire sufficient food to satisfy their needs.

One of the effective techniques to prevent and manage high blood pressure is by addressing malnutrition comprehensively.

"Such an investment in nutrition and general health will have huge public health dividends, including these longer-term risks of chronic heart and metabolic diseases that cost so much in human lives," Forrester said.

The study was documented in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension.