A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology has found that children born through in vitro fertilization (IVF) are at a greater risk of developing hypertension compared to children conceived naturally.

The Study

The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Bern, Switzerland, and included 51,000 children between the ages of 6 and 27 years. Of these, 1,700 were conceived through IVF.

The researchers found that children conceived through IVF had a higher prevalence of hypertension compared to children conceived naturally (3.5% vs. 2.5%). Additionally, the prevalence of prehypertension, a precursor to hypertension, was also higher in children born through IVF (19.8% vs. 17.4%).

The researchers took factors such as age, sex, body mass index, and socioeconomic status into consideration and still found that children born through IVF were at a 45% increased risk of developing hypertension compared to children conceived naturally.

Possible Explanations

While the exact mechanisms behind the association between IVF and hypertension are not yet clear, the researchers have proposed a few potential explanations.

One theory is that the stress of the IVF procedure itself could lead to changes in the child’s cardiovascular system. The use of hormonal medications during the IVF process could also play a role. Additionally, epigenetic changes, which can be influenced by factors such as IVF, could lead to changes in blood pressure regulation.

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Implications

The findings of this study have important implications for both healthcare providers and parents. Children born through IVF should receive regular blood pressure monitoring, especially as they enter adulthood.

Healthcare providers should also be aware of the increased risk of hypertension in this population and consider it when making treatment decisions.

For parents considering IVF, it is important to weigh the potential risks and benefits with their healthcare providers.

While IVF can be a successful way to conceive for many couples, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and ensure that any children born through IVF receive appropriate monitoring and care.

Conclusion

This study highlights the increased risk of hypertension in children born through IVF. While the exact mechanisms behind this association are not yet clear, the findings have important implications for both healthcare providers and parents.

Regular blood pressure monitoring should be considered for children born through IVF, and parents should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of IVF when making decisions about conceiving.