Adolescent Childbirth Is Associated With Greater Framingham Risk Scores for Cardiovascular Disease Among Participants of the IMIAS (International Mobility in Aging Study)

Abstract

BackgroundPrevious studies observe associations between lifetime parity and cardiovascular disease, but relatively fewer investigate age at first childbirth (AFB). Herein, we examine the association of AFB with a summary cardiovascular risk measure (Framingham Risk Score [FRS]).Methods and ResultsAs part of the IMIAS (International Mobility in Aging Study), data were collected in 2012 among 1047 women, aged 65 to 74 years, from Canada, Albania, Colombia, and Brazil. FRSs were calculated to describe cardiovascular risk profiles, and linear regression analyses were performed, adjusting for early life and socioeconomic variables. Women with an AFB of <20 years were compared with women with an AFB of 20 to 24, 25 to 29, and ≥30 years, as well as nulliparous women. We also compared FRS between combinations of AFB and parity categories: nulliparous women, parity 1 to 3 combined with AFB <20 years, parity ≥4 with AFB <20 years, parity 1 to 3 with AFB ≥20 years, and parity ≥4 with AFB ≥20 years. Women with an AFB of <20 years had a higher mean FRS compared with all other AFB groups. Compared with the lowest AFB risk group (25–29 years), women with an AFB of <20 years had a 5.8‐point higher mean FRS (95% confidence interval, 3.4–8.3 points). Nulliparous women presented the lowest mean FRS in all analyses. The analysis comparing combinations of AFB and parity categories showed no meaningful differences in FRS between women who had 1 to 3 childbirths and those who had ≥4 childbirths within the stratum of AFB <20 years, and in the stratum of AFB ≥20 years.ConclusionsOur analyses suggest that nulliparity and AFB, rather than increasing parity, drive the association with cardiovascular disease risk.

Costs of reproduction and ageing in the human female

“…A gradual increase in low-grade albuminuria (protein in urine, a marker of an increased risk of cardiovascular health problems) with parity was observed in women from China [42]. Giving birth early (at less than 20 years of age) also contributes to a greater overall cardiovascular risk in older age [43].…”

Stolen childhood taking a toll at young adulthood: The higher risk of high blood pressure and high blood glucose comorbidity among child brides

“…Child marriage is a key driver of adolescent childbearing that can impact long-term health outcomes of women [4]. Several studies document the association between adolescent childbearing and later life risks of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases [5,6]. A couple of recent studies also report a higher risk of hypertension and other self-reported chronic conditions being associated with child marriage [7,8].…”

Association of Parenthood With Incident Heart Disease in United States’ Older Men and Women: A Longitudinal Analysis of Health and Retirement Study Data

“…Covariate selection (above) for statistical adjustment was determined by previous related research (Baldi et al, 2013; Clark et al, 2009; Rosendaal et al, 2017) and informed our statistical analyses (below). Briefly, predisposing characteristics (age, birthplace, race/ethnicity, and census division) likely influence attitudes and expectations about ideal family size as well as have influences on heart disease probability.…”