Pregnancy in obese women and mechanisms of increased cardiovascular risk in offspring
2024

Pregnancy in Obese Women and Cardiovascular Risk in Offspring

publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Cochrane Anna L K, Murphy Michael P, Ozanne Susan E, Giussani Dino A

Primary Institution: University of Cambridge

Hypothesis

Does maternal obesity during pregnancy increase cardiovascular risk in offspring?

Conclusion

Maternal obesity during pregnancy leads to increased cardiovascular dysfunction in offspring due to various mechanisms.

Supporting Evidence

  • Maternal obesity during pregnancy is linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk in offspring.
  • Cardiovascular dysfunction in offspring can originate from in utero exposure to maternal obesity.
  • Interventions during pregnancy, such as exercise, may help prevent cardiovascular issues in offspring.

Takeaway

If a mom is overweight while pregnant, her baby might have heart problems later in life because of changes that happen before they are even born.

Methodology

This review summarizes findings from human studies and animal models regarding the impact of maternal obesity on offspring cardiovascular health.

Limitations

The review highlights gaps in knowledge regarding the mechanisms of cardiovascular dysfunction in offspring and the effects of interventions.

Participant Demographics

The review discusses findings from studies involving women with varying pre-pregnancy BMI and their offspring.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/eurheartj/ehae671

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