- Landmark work
- Future generations
- Infections and heart attack
- Family heart study
- Grant Programme
Future generations
Introduction
The pioneering work of Professor David Barker (part-funded by the BHF) suggested that babies of low birthweight are more susceptible to developing heart disease as adults. Since then the BHF has provided vital funds to research the biological explanation for how the foetus is programmed in the womb to be susceptible to these long-term health effects.
What they found
Professor John Deanfield at the Institute of Child Health is studying children's blood vessels, using simple, non-invasive tests developed in his laboratory. He has identified subtle abnormalities in vascular function that suggest that some children may already be developing blood vessel disease.
Diabetes is a growing problem in the UK and people with the condition have a far greater risk of a heart attack or stroke. Research has shown that children of diabetics have a three-fold greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease. However, evidence from a BHF study at the University of Glasgow has shown that children of diabetics can significantly reduce their risk of developing diabetes and vascular disease by taking regular moderate exercise. This important observation will help shape public health strategies to prevent the predicted epidemic of diabetes, expected to rise to two million sufferers by 2010.
Impact
Public health doctors are now aware of the long-lasting impact that a mother's health may have on that of her children.
The BHF's investment in pioneering research into child health and heart disease led to the Foundation appointing Professor Mark Hanson as the BHF Professor of Cardiovascular Science at Southampton University. His team specialises in the developmental origins of adult disease.
The ability to detect early signs of vascular disease in children offers the opportunity to modify that child's lifestyle to avoid a heart attack or stroke in later life.
Next Steps
Our researchers need funds to continue their promising work in understanding the relationship of diet and health during pregnancy and childhood.
As the pieces of the jigsaw fit together, we can improve our understanding of how to give future generations the best chance of good health throughout their lifetime, by helping mothers to give their children the best start in the womb.