Long-Term Impact of the Great Chinese Famine on the Risks of Specific Arrhythmias and Severe Hypertension in the Offspring at an Early Stage of Aging

Abstract

Perinatal malnutrition affects postnatal cardiovascular functions. This study used the Great Chinese Famine (GCF) to determine the long-term impact of perinatal undernutrition on hypertension and arrhythmias in older offspring. Subjects (n = 10,065) were divided into an exposed group whose fetal life was in the GCF and an unexposed group. The exposed group showed higher systolic/diastolic pressure, heart rate, and total cholesterol. Perinatal exposure to the GCF was a significant risk to Grade 2 and Grade 3 hypertension (OR = 1.724, 95%CI: 1.441–2.064, p < 0.001; OR = 1.480, 95%CI: 1.050–2.086, p < 0.05) compared to the control. The GCF also increased risks for myocardial ischemia (OR = 1.301, 95%CI: 1.135–1.490, p < 0.001), bradycardia (OR = 1.383, 95%CI: 1.154–1.657, p < 0.001), atrial fibrillation (OR = 1.931, 95%CI: 1.033–3.610, p < 0.05), and atrioventricular block (OR = 1.333, 95%CI: 1.034–1.719, p < 0.05). Total cholesterol, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome were associated with Grade 2 or Grade 3 hypertension after exposure to the GCF; high cholesterol, high BMI, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and elevated blood pressure were linked to certain types of arrhythmias in exposed offspring. The results first demonstrated perinatal undernutrition was a significant risk factor for the development of Grade 2–3 hypertension and certain arrhythmias in humans. Perinatal undernutrition still significantly impacted cardiovascular systems of the aged offspring even 50 years after the GCF. The results also provided information to a specific population with a history of prenatal undernutrition for early prevention against cardiovascular diseases before aging.