Altered regional blood flow in the fetus: the origins of cardiovascular disease?
A fetal response to hypoxia and other adverse influences is to redistribute blood flow in order to "spare" the brain. This, however, is associated with reduced growth of the liver and kidneys.


CONCLUSIONS
The long-term consequences of fetal redistribution of blood flow are unknown, but preliminary evidence suggests that there is an increased risk of coronary heart disease and hypertension in later life.
Barker
D J P
DJ
Division of Developmental Origins of Adult Health and Disease, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom. david.barker@mrc.soton.ac.uk
Hanson
M A
MA
D002908:Chronic Disease; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D047109:Fetal Development / Q000502:physiology*; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000196:embryology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007668:Kidney / Q000098:blood supply / Q000254:growth & development; D008099:Liver / Q000098:blood supply / Q000254:growth & development; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors