Stopping or Cutting Down on Smoking Cuts Heart Attack Death Risk

Smoking is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease before and after a major cardiac event, such as a heart attack. Researchers at Tel Aviv University studied whether stopping or cutting down on smoking after a heath event, such as a heart attack, could help to increase life expectancy.

In an eye opening study, the TAU researchers found that people who have never smoked have a lower risk of death after a heart attack, compared to people who smoke persistently. Even cutting down on smoking could reduce the risk of dying after a heart attack, although smokers still increase their risk of lung disease and lung cancer.

The TAU study, which was reported in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found that quitting smoking after a heart attack had about the same positive effect on the heart as other major health interventions, such as lipid lowering agents like statins or more invasive procedures.

Dr. Yariv Gerber, of the TAU Sackler School of Medicine, made a statement in a TAU press release, 'It is really the most broad and eye opening study of its kind. Smoking really decreases your life expectancy after a heart attack. Those who have never smoked have a 43% lower risk of succumbing after a heart attack, compared to the persistent smoker.'

Smokers can increase their chances of survival, before and after a heart attack, by stopping smoking. If stopping completely is too difficult, smokers could increase their chance by cutting back on smoking. TAU researchers found that cutting back on smoking by five cigarettes a day reduces the risk of dying after a heart attack by 18 percent. Researchers quantified this with the statement that continuing to smoke still increases the risk of lung disease and lung cancer.

Dr. Gerber stated that smoking places a tremendous burden on the heath care system, making this a public heath issue. Dr. Gerber stated, ' The effect of smoking on heart health is actually a much bigger public heath threat, and most people are not aware of this.'

Dr. Gerber also stated that the study is the first to show the benefit of reducing the amount of smoking, adding 'This is information that some smokers could live with - literally. We would like people to consider cutting down as an initial before complete cessation, especially those who find it impossible to quit right away.'

Information in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have a medical condition, please consult a physician.

Resource: Tel Aviv University: Smoker Alert: Information You Can Live With, February 1, 2010

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