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Smoking is associated with advanced coronary atherosclerosis in youth

Arthur W Zieske1, C Alex McMahan, Henry C McGill

  • 1Department of Pathology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1901 Perdido Street, New Orleans, LA 70112-1393, USA.

Atherosclerosis
|April 13, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Smoking accelerates advanced coronary atherosclerosis in young adults. This study found smokers aged 15-34 had significantly higher prevalence of severe lesions, suggesting smoking promotes plaque progression.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Pathology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Smoking is a known risk factor for atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (CHD) in older populations.
  • Limited evidence exists on smoking's impact on coronary atherosclerosis development in younger individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between smoking and coronary artery atherosclerosis in young adults (15-34 years old).
  • To determine if smoking accelerates the progression of advanced atherosclerotic lesions in youth.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the Pathobiological Determinants of Atherosclerosis in Youth (PDAY) Study.
  • Microscopic grading of coronary artery lesions (proximal LAD) in 1127 subjects aged 15-34.
  • Statistical analysis of lesion prevalence and severity in smokers versus non-smokers.

Main Results:

  • Smokers exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of advanced atherosclerotic lesions (Grade 5) compared to non-smokers (OR 9.61).
  • This association was observed across genders and in individuals with or without other CHD risk factors.
  • Smoking appears to accelerate the transition from Grade 4 to Grade 5 lesions.

Conclusions:

  • Smoking significantly contributes to the development of advanced coronary atherosclerosis in young adults.
  • The findings suggest smoking promotes plaque progression, potentially through mechanisms like thrombosis and intimal accretion.
  • Early smoking cessation is crucial to prevent severe cardiovascular pathology in youth.

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