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Smokeless tobacco as a possible risk factor for stroke in men: a nested case-control study
Kjell Asplund1, Salmir Nasic, Urban Janlert
1Medicine and Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden. Kjell.Asplund@medicin.umu.se
Stroke
|May 31, 2003
Summary
This study found that while smoking significantly increases stroke risk in men, using smokeless tobacco (snuff) does not appear to elevate this risk. The findings suggest burning tobacco, not smokeless use, is key to smoking-related stroke risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular epidemiology
- Tobacco use and health outcomes
- Neurology
Background:
- Smokeless tobacco use is prevalent in certain populations.
- The cardiovascular risks of smokeless tobacco are debated.
- Smoking's detrimental cardiovascular effects are well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between smokeless tobacco (snuff) use and stroke risk in men.
- To compare stroke risk in male snuff users versus non-users.
- To clarify the health hazards of smokeless tobacco products.
Main Methods:
- A nested case-control study design was employed.
- Data on tobacco habits were gathered via population risk factor surveys.
- Fatal and nonfatal strokes were identified in a population-based stroke register for men aged 25-74.
Main Results:
- Regular cigarette smoking was associated with a doubled risk of stroke (OR=2.21).
- Never-smoking regular snuff users showed no increased stroke risk compared to non-tobacco users (OR=1.05).
- Adjusted analysis indicated no significant stroke risk for regular snuff users (OR=0.87).
Conclusions:
- Regular smoking significantly increases stroke risk in men.
- Snuff use does not appear to be associated with an increased risk of stroke.
- The combustion products of tobacco are likely the primary cause of smoking-related atherothrombotic diseases, including stroke.