Evaluating the Association Between Current Smokers and Myocardial Infarction: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Smoking is a major contributor to myocardial infarction (MI) through endothelial damage, accelerated atherosclerosis, and increased thrombosis risk.
• The high prevalence of smoking necessitates a thorough assessment of its association with MI.
• Understanding these associations across diverse populations is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between active smoking and myocardial infarction (MI).
• To assess the prevalence of MI in smokers versus non-smokers.
• To analyze these associations based on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, cross-sectional study using the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System database.
• MI was the disease variable, and smoking was the primary risk factor.
• Analysis included cross-tabulation of demographic (age, gender, race) and socioeconomic (education, income) factors, with results expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs).

Main Results:

• Current smokers had significantly higher odds of reporting MI compared to non-smokers (8.4% vs. 5.3%, OR = 1.627).
• The highest MI risk was observed in young adult smokers (18-24 years, OR = 6.15), with risk inversely proportional to age.
• Female smokers (OR = 1.823) and non-Hispanic/other racial group smokers (OR = 2.002) showed higher MI odds compared to their male and other racial counterparts, respectively. Smokers with higher education and income also exhibited increased odds.

Conclusions:

• Smoking demonstrates a strong, consistent association with myocardial infarction (MI) across diverse demographic and socioeconomic strata.
• The findings underscore the critical role of smoking cessation programs in MI prevention.
• Targeted interventions may be necessary for high-risk subgroups identified in the study.