It is hypothesized that a physiological predisposition toward hypertension results from a combination of intrauterine growth restriction or overgrowth and excessive postnatal weight gain. Previous studies were conducted largely in Western countries however the hypothesis may also be relevant in developing countries where metabolic disorders are increasing.
Division of Epidemiology, Statistics, and Prevention Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA.
