Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Automated Measurement of Pulmonary Emphysema and Small Airway Remodeling in Cigarette Smoke-exposed Mice
Published on: January 16, 2015
Cardiovascular remodeling induced by passive smoking
Marcos F Minicucci1, Paula S Azevedo, Sergio A R Paiva
1Department of Internal Medicine, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP - São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Insights
Passive smoke exposure significantly increases coronary heart disease (CHD) risk by affecting blood vessels and heart function. This review details how tobacco smoke causes cardiac remodeling and dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of mortality globally.
- Key risk factors include smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and inactivity.
- Passive smoke exposure is a significant, yet often overlooked, risk factor for CHD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on the cardiovascular and cardiac effects of passive smoking.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying passive smoke-induced vascular and cardiac remodeling.
- To highlight the impact of tobacco smoke on cardiac function.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on passive smoking and cardiovascular/cardiac effects.
- Analysis of proposed mechanisms including endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
- Focus on both acute and chronic phases of vascular and cardiac remodeling.
Main Results:
- Passive smoke contributes to endothelial dysfunction, lipoprotein modification, inflammation, and platelet activation.
- Tobacco smoke exposure leads to cardiac remodeling and impaired cardiac function.
- Mechanisms involve neurohumoral activation, oxidative stress, and MAPK pathways.
Conclusions:
- Passive smoking poses a considerable risk for developing coronary heart disease.
- Understanding the complex mechanisms is crucial for prevention and treatment strategies.
- Further research is needed to fully address the cardiac implications of passive smoke exposure.
Abstract:
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common cause of death in many developed countries. The major risk factors for CHD are smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, and lack of physical activity. Importantly, passive smoke also increases the risk for CHD. The mechanisms involved in the effects of passive smoke in CHD are complex and include endothelial dysfunction, lipoprotein modification, increased inflammation and platelet activation. Recently, several studies have shown that exposure to tobacco smoke can result in cardiac remodeling and compromised cardiac function. Potential mechanisms for these alterations are neurohumoral activation, oxidative stress, and MAPK activation. Although the vascular effects of cigarette smoke exposure are well known, the effects of tobacco smoking on the heart have received less attention. Therefore, this review will focus on the recent findings as to the effects of passive smoking in acute and chronic phases of vascular and cardiac remodeling.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology