Embodiments of this invention include methods for decreasing hypertension in mammals subjected to adverse cardiovascular fetal programming or a long-term adverse postnatal environment. Fetal programming can result from adverse intrauterine conditions, including growth retardation or undernutrition. Adverse postnatal environments include either hypocaloric or hypercaloric nutrition. Decreasing hypertension is such mammals can be accomplished by administering an agent that increases the effective amount of a growth hormone. Such agents can include a growth hormone, an agent that increases the effective concentration of a growth hormone in the mammal, or an agent that decreases inhibition of a growth hormone's effects. Such agents can be used either alone, or in combination with other anti-hypertensive agents.