DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2020.v08i01.048

Pages: 261-263

In the modern world, cardiovascular disorders are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, which in most cases undergo a long subclinical phase that can last decades before the first clinical symptoms appear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether reduced fetal growth is associated with fetal cardiac dysfunction. Methods and results: This study was prospective cohort study starting in early fetal life. A prospective study was conducted in S.M.S Medical College Jaipur, involving 72 singleton foetuses ≥28 weeks of gestation divided into two groups 36 intrauterine growth restricted foetuses and 36 appropriate for gestational age foetuses. Isovolumetric relaxation time was obtained by fetal echocardiography. The mean Isovolumetric relaxation time in the IUGR foetuses and AGA foetuses was statistically significant and that was 57  3.20msec and 42.11  1.45msec respectively, respectively; (p value: <0.0001). These findings suggest that IUGR induces primary cardiac changes, which could explain the increased predisposition to cardiovascular disease in adult life [13]. Fetal echocardiographic parameters (IVRT) identify a high risk group within the IUGR fetuses, which could be targeted for early screening of blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors, as well as for promoting a healthy diet and exercise.