Fatal and nonfatal coronary attacks in relation to smoking in some Dutch communities

The association between acute coronary events (ACE) and cigarette or cigar smoking was evaluated in a case-referent study. The association was apparent for cigarette smokers of one and two packs daily. An association could be shown for cigar smoking also, with no appreciable difference between inhalers and non-inhalers. Cigarette smoking was related more strongly to rapidly fatal than to nonfatal ACE, especially in the younger age categories.