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Hypothesized foetal and early life influences on adult heart disease mortality: an ecological analysis of data for the Republic of Ireland

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  • Pringle, D. G.

Abstract

Spatial disparities in the prevalence of heart disease are frequently explained in terms of adult lifestyle factors (e.g. diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, exercise, etc.). However, research in recent years suggests an alternative explanation: namely, that the risk of heart disease in adult life may be influenced either by living conditions shortly after birth or by foetal development before birth. This paper outlines the evolution of this line of thought, and tests whether these hypotheses are consistent with ecological data for deaths from ischaemic heart disease between 1981 and 1990 and infant deaths between 1916 and 1935 in the Republic of Ireland. Support for the hypotheses is found to be ambiguous. Possible interpretations of these findings are discussed, paying particular attention to the anomalous nature of infant mortality in Ireland between 1916 and 1935.

Suggested Citation

  • Pringle, D. G., 1998. "Hypothesized foetal and early life influences on adult heart disease mortality: an ecological analysis of data for the Republic of Ireland," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 46(6), pages 683-693, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:46:y:1998:i:6:p:683-693
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    Cited by:

    1. Delaney, Liam & McGovern, Mark & Smith, James P., 2011. "From Angela's ashes to the Celtic tiger: Early life conditions and adult health in Ireland," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 30(1), pages 1-10, January.
    2. Mark E. McGovern, 2016. "Progress and the Lack of Progress in Addressing Infant Health and Infant Health Inequalities in Ireland during the 20th Century," Economics Working Papers 16-05, Queen's Management School, Queen's University Belfast.
    3. Irene Mosca & Anne Nolan, 2022. "The Long-Term Effects of In-Utero Exposure to Rubella," Economics Department Working Paper Series n314-22.pdf, Department of Economics, National University of Ireland - Maynooth.

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