A recent study published in the journal Hypertension has found that children born through fertility treatment may be at an increased risk of developing hypertension in their late teens.

The Basics of Hypertension

Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. A person is diagnosed with hypertension when their blood pressure consistently reads at or above 130/80 mm Hg.

High blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health issues. It is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide and can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication.

The Study

The study was conducted by researchers from the Université Paris-Saclay in France and analyzed data from 2,349 children born through fertility treatment. The children were born between 1983 and 2001 and were followed-up until they reached the age of 19.

Blood pressure readings were taken at ages 3, 11, 16, and 19.

The Results

The study found that the children born through fertility treatment were more likely to have higher blood pressure readings than children who were conceived naturally.

At age 16, 29% of the children born through fertility treatment had high blood pressure, compared to 21% of the naturally conceived children. By age 19, 26% of the children born through fertility treatment had high blood pressure, compared to 22% of the naturally conceived children.

Possible Explanations

The researchers suggest that there may be several factors that contribute to the increased risk of hypertension in children born through fertility treatment.

Firstly, fertility treatment involves the use of hormonal drugs, which could affect the cardiovascular system of the developing fetus. Secondly, fertility treatment often results in multiple pregnancies, which can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, and other health complications that may increase the risk of hypertension later in life.

Lastly, the genetic factors that lead to infertility may also play a role in the development of hypertension in the children born through fertility treatment.

Implications

The findings of this study have important implications for parents who have undergone fertility treatment and health professionals who care for these children.

It highlights the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring for children who were born through fertility treatment, so that any hypertension can be identified and managed early on. Furthermore, lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and physical activity can help to manage blood pressure and reduce the risk of hypertension.

Conclusion

This study adds to the growing body of research that suggests a link between fertility treatment and the long-term health outcomes of the children born through these treatments.

The findings highlight the need for further research into the potential health risks associated with fertility treatment, as well as the importance of regular health monitoring for these children.