Impact of Preterm Birth on Adult Blood Pressure and Anxiety Levels

Preterm birth, which affects approximately 10% of infants in the United States annually, has long been associated with immediate health challenges in newborns. However, recent research indicates that the implications of early birth extend far into adulthood, influencing both physical and mental health outcomes.

A comprehensive longitudinal study led by researchers from the University of Rhode Island tracked individuals from birth into their mid-thirties to understand these long-term effects. The study included 213 participants originally admitted to a Level III neonatal intensive care unit between 1985 and 1989. Of these, 158 were born preterm (with birth weights under 1,850 grams), and 55 were born at full term. Data collection involved clinical assessments, biospecimen analyses, imaging, and psychological evaluations at age 35.

The researchers devised a medical risk index based on factors like birth weight, gestational age, duration of oxygen therapy, and neurological and medical complications endured during early life. Findings revealed that each point increase in the early-life medical risk score was linked to a significant rise in adverse health markers in adulthood.

Specifically, higher early medical risk correlated with a 7-point increase in systolic blood pressure, a decrease of 13 mg/dL in HDL cholesterol, and a rise of 54 mg/dL in triglycerides. Additionally, individuals with higher early life risk showed increased abdominal fat accumulation, lower bone mineral density, and heightened internalizing issues such as anxiety and depression.

Interestingly, no significant associations were found with diastolic blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c, or inflammatory markers. Socioeconomic status during childhood and social protection did not significantly impact these health outcomes; however, higher socioeconomic status was associated with lower levels of IL-6, an inflammatory marker.

The study underscores that the severity of complications at birth due to preterm delivery can have enduring effects, impacting mental health and cardiovascular risk factors decades later. Given the lack of clinical guidelines for routine adult screening of those born preterm, healthcare providers are urged to consider early birth history as an essential component of lifelong risk assessments. Implementing targeted monitoring and preventive care strategies for this population could mitigate long-term health vulnerabilities.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-preterm-birth-linked-higher-blood.html