Foetal programming in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension

Pathogenesis of arterial hypertension is complex and in spite of the decades of studies is not yet entirely understood. In recent years, attention has been paid to the phenomenon of foetal programming and its relationship to arterial hypertension in adult life. It has been shown that low birth weight predisposes to the development of arterial hypertension. The relationship between the number of nephrons and blood pressure and the risk of hypertension also has been found. Blood pressure and the number of nephrons depend on both genetic and environmental factors affecting pregnant females. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge concerning the role of foetal programming in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension in adults