The effect of smoking on selected coronary heart disease risk factors in middle-aged men

Associations between smoking and selected factors supposed to promote coronary heart disease (CHD) were studied in 1832 healthy men, 809 of whom were smokers. Triglycerides were 7% higher in smokers; the heaviest smokers had the highest levels. Unfavourable changes were not seen in the other parameters in smokers. There was no trend indicating an influence of smoking on total and HDL cholesterol in the individuals who had abstained from smoking for a few hours just before the examination. Body mass index and weight, blood pressure and resting heart rate were lower in smokers, whereas heart volume, glucose tolerance, thyroid function and ECG findings did not differ significantly in smokers and non-smokers. The present study indicates that smoking promotes the development of CHD independently of the commonly accepted CHD risk factors.