Statins curb effects of stress in womb

Statins could protect the hearts of babies in the womb from the adverse effects of their mother’s stress, research suggests.

Scientists have discovered that the widely-prescribed drugs help to counteract the negative impact of stress hormones on fetal growth and heart development in mice.

The therapy could lower the chances of babies being born underweight and reduce their risk of health problems in later life, including heart disease, researchers say.

This study was carried out using the Edinburgh Preclinical Imaging ultrasound facilities.

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