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Does smoking cessation with varenicline worsen vascular endothelial function?
Akira Umeda1, Toru Kato, Tateki Yamane
1Department of Internal Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare Shioya Hospital, Tochigi, Japan.
Varenicline-assisted smoking cessation improved vascular endothelial function, assessed by flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD). This study indicates varenicline and quitting smoking do not worsen vascular health in smokers.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Pharmacology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Conflicting meta-analyses exist regarding varenicline's cardiovascular safety.
- Varenicline is a partial nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist used for smoking cessation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of varenicline-assisted smoking cessation on vascular endothelial function.
- To assess changes in flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) during and after varenicline treatment.
Main Methods:
- A before-after and time-series study design was employed.
- 85 participants from a nicotine-dependent outpatient service were reviewed; FMD was measured in 33.
- Participants received varenicline (1.0 mg twice daily for 12 weeks) and were assessed for FMD before and 3 months after cessation.
Main Results:
- FMD significantly increased from 4.0±1.8% to 5.5±2.2% (p<0.01) 3 months post-cessation.
- A statistically insignificant increase in FMD was observed during varenicline use (3.7±2.7% to 4.3±2.8%).
- Most participants showed improved FMD over time, with one exception.
Conclusions:
- Varenicline-assisted smoking cessation does not impair vascular endothelial function.
- Quitting smoking with varenicline support appears safe for vascular health.
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