Cardiovascular risk of smoking and benefits of smoking cessation

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Public Health
• Toxicology

Background:

• Smoking is a leading cause of mortality and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
• Both active smoking and secondhand smoke exposure contribute to over 30% of coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality.
• Smoking's detrimental effects on endothelial function, oxidative processes, platelet function, fibrinolysis, inflammation, and vasomotor function are well-established proatherogenic mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent data on the causal link between smoking and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
• To highlight the benefits of smoking cessation for reducing CVD risk.
• To explore the increased vulnerability of females to smoking-related cardiovascular damage.

Main Methods:

• This is a review article, synthesizing existing research on smoking and cardiovascular health.
• Data from epidemiological studies and mechanistic research were analyzed.
• Focus on recent findings regarding smoking's impact and cessation benefits.

Main Results:

• Smokers have a doubled 10-year risk of fatal cardiovascular events compared to non-smokers.
• Female smokers exhibit a 25% higher risk of developing CHD than male smokers, potentially linked to thrombin signaling genes.
• Smoking cessation at age 40 can reduce excess mortality risk by 90%.

Conclusions:

• Smoking is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
• Smoking cessation is highly effective in mitigating cardiovascular risk, with significant benefits observed from early cessation.
• Further research into female-specific vulnerabilities in smoking-related CVD is warranted.