(NC)-Chronic hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, is found in one-fifth of adult Canadians. Although it is not fully understood, scientists have found a connection between having a low birth weight and a higher risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular disease as an adult. Dr. Anne Nuyt of the Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre in Montreal says the connection may have something to do with increased activity early in life of a hormonal system (the renin-angiotensin system) in parts of the brain that regulate the cardiovascular system. Her work may allow people in the future to be more aware of their risk of heart disease.

Dr. Nuyt's research is being funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). CIHR is Canada's preeminent health research catalyst and is funded by the government of Canada. An exciting new concept, CIHR is modernizing and transforming the health research enterprise in Canada.

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