[Smoking status in Chinese cardiovascular physicians in 2008]

To investigate the prevalence and hazard of smoking in Chinese cardiovascular physicians.

A total of 4032 cardiovascular-certified physicians were recruited from 386 medical centers in all 31 provinces and municipalities in mainland China between June 1 2008 and August 31 2008.

The prevalence of smoking in Chinese cardiovascular physicians was 15.2% (95% CI 14.1% - 16.3%), 609 (29.8%) (95% CI 27.8% - 31.8%) for men was much higher than 3 (0.2%) (95% CI 0.1% - 0.4%) for women (P < 0.01). The prevalence of heavy male smoking was 6.9% (95% CI 5.9% - 8.1%) and there was no heavy female smoker. Significant geographic differences were observed among male smokers. Higher smoking rates were seen in the northwest and southwest parts of China. There were significant differences in prevalence of male smoking between areas. The prevalence of history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia in male smoking group were all significantly higher than in male non-smoking group (all P < 0.01). The 10-year absolute risk and relative risk of coronary heart disease and ischemic cardiovascular disease estimated by Framingham model and Chinese model were all significantly higher in smoking group than in non smoking group (all P < 0.01).

The prevalence of smoking in Chinese cardiovascular physicians is relatively high and smoking cessation should be targeted in this population.