Childhood Experiences and Heart Health
Author Information
Author(s): Juan C Quiroz, Jackie Cooper, Celeste McCracken, Mohammed Y Khanji, Liliana Laranjo, Nay Aung, Aaron Mark Lee, Judit Simon, Theodore Murphy, Luca Biasiolli, Stefan K Piechnik, Pal Maurovich-Horvat, Steffen E Petersen, Zahra Raisi-Estabragh
Primary Institution: The University of New South Wales
Hypothesis
This study evaluates the association of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) phenotypes.
Conclusion
ACEs were associated with unhealthy cardiovascular remodelling in adulthood, independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants with ACEs had poorer cardiometabolic profiles.
- Women reported higher rates of childhood adversity except for physical abuse.
- Physical neglect showed the most significant adverse cardiovascular remodelling.
- All types of childhood adversity were linked to unhealthy CMR phenotypes.
- Sex differences were noted in the impact of physical abuse on cardiac outcomes.
Takeaway
Kids who go through tough times can have heart problems when they grow up. It's important to help them early.
Methodology
The study analyzed UK Biobank participants who completed CMR and a questionnaire on childhood experiences, using multivariable linear regression to assess associations.
Potential Biases
Self-reporting of childhood experiences may lead to underreporting or recall bias.
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional, so it cannot establish causation, and relies on self-reported data which may be subject to bias.
Participant Demographics
Participants were middle-aged adults from the UK Biobank, with a mean age of 64.1 years and a slight majority being women (53.3%).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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