Charité Birth Cohort Study
Early detection of cardiovascular risks from the start of life
A contribution to prevention for future generations
With the Charité Birth Cohort Study, the Friede Springer – Cardiovascular Prevention Center is making an important contribution to research into the early causes of disease and the development of forward-looking prevention strategies. The findings will help to protect cardiovascular health in the long term, from the beginning of life and across generations.
Understanding heart health from the start
The Charité Birth Cohort Study is a long-term scientific observational study conducted under the auspices of the Friede Springer – Cardiovascular Prevention Center (FS-CPC) at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
The aim of the study is to gain a better understanding of the development of cardiovascular diseases, particularly in the very early stages of life: during pregnancy and in the first years of life.
Scientific background
Cardiovascular diseases are among the most common diseases in Germany and remain the leading cause of death. Recent research shows that many of these diseases do not develop in adulthood, but can originate before birth. In addition to genetic factors, conditions in the womb also play a key role.
In this context, experts refer to fetal programming. This means that influences during pregnancy (such as blood pressure, metabolism, nutrition, or hormonal changes in the mother) can have a lasting effect on the long-term health of the child. These effects often go unnoticed for many years, but can influence the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.
Focus of the study
The Charité Birth Cohort Study examines both the adaptation processes of the maternal cardiovascular system during pregnancy and the early development of the child. Particular attention is paid to temporary pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes. Although these changes usually subside after birth, they can provide valuable information about later health risks for mother and child.
The systematic collection of clinical data, biological samples, and long-term development processes is intended to identify early warning signs and improve understanding of biological correlations. On this basis, the FS-CPC aims to develop new approaches for the prevention and early detection of cardiovascular diseases.
Long-term observation and research perspective
A key feature of the study is its long-term approach. In addition to examinations during pregnancy and around the time of birth, mothers and children are monitored over many years. The development of cardiovascular health is observed at various stages of life, from early childhood to adolescence.
This long-term perspective makes it possible to track health developments across generations and set the course for sustainable prevention research that goes far beyond individual cases.
Project staff
- Prof. Elisabeth Steinhagen-Thießen, Director of Studies
- Fevronia-Foivi Megalofonou, research physician
If you would like to participate in the study: FSCPC Birth Cohort Study Flyer