[Smoking prevalence and the risk of developing ischemic heart disease in men aged 20 to 69]

The authors studied the incidence of smoking among 20-69 years old males and its relation to ischemic heart disease. Ischemic heart disease morbidity and intermittent claudication was highest in males who have been smoking for more than 30 years. Statistical data indicate that the age of beginning of smoking is of more importance in the development of ischemic heart disease as compared with the duration of smoking. Prophylactic measures are discussed with consideration of the obtained data.