Low birthweight is defined as a birthweight of less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces (2,500 grams). It is a major risk factor for heart disease , stroke, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic diseases in adulthood. The exact mechanism by which low birthweight increases the risk of heart disease is not fully understood, but it is thought to be due to a number of factors, including: Abnormalities in the development of the heart and blood vessels Increased inflammation Altered metabolism Insulin resistance People who were born with low birthweight are more likely to develop Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), which is the narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. CAD can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other serious health problems. The risk of heart disease is highest in people who were born with very low birthweight (less than 3 pounds, 5 ounces or 1,500 grams). However, even people who were born with slightly low birthweight (between 5 pounds, 8 ounces and 6 pounds, 13 ounces or 2,