Smoking Tip Sheet, Nov. 14, 2011

Abstracts: 14029, 18263, 16722 and 15980


ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 14, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Regardless of presentation date and time, all four abstracts will have the same embargo release at 2 p.m. ET, Monday, Nov. 14, 2011. For more information Nov. 12-16, call the AHA News Media Staff Office at the Orange County Convention Center at (407) 685-5410. Before or after these dates, call the AHA Communications Office in Dallas at (214) 706-1396.

Smoking Statistics (American Heart Association Statistical Supplement and CDC MMWR):

  • In 2010, 21.5 percent of men and 17.3 percent of women aged 18 or older were current smokers.
  • In 2009, 19.5 percent of students in grades 9-12 reported current cigarette use.
  • In 2009, among adults 18 years and older, West Virginia had the highest percentage of smokers (25.5 percent); Utah had the lowest (9.8 percent).
  • The percentage of the non-smoking population with detectable blood levels of cotinine (indicating exposure to secondhand smoke) was 46.4 percent in 1999-2004. The percentage was highest among 4-11 year olds (60.5 percent) and 12-19 years old (55.4 percent).
  • Direct medical costs ($96 billion) and lost productivity costs ($97 billion) associated with smoking totaled an estimated $193 billion per year in 2000-04.
  • Cigarette smokers are two to four times more likely to develop coronary heart disease than non-smokers.
  • Cigarette smoking doubles a person's risk for stroke.

Abstract 14029

Older adults who smoke have higher risk of developing heart failure

Current older smokers have a 73 percent higher risk of developing heart failure compared to non-smokers, regardless of how long they've smoked, according to a new study.

Former smokers' risks are related to how long they'd smoked, the researchers said.

The study of 2,125 people (average age 73, 70 percent women, 54 percent white) found that during an average follow-up of 9.4 years, 231 (10.9 percent) developed heart failure.

In current smokers, heart failure risk was not related to the number of pack-years smokers accumulated. In contrast, risk of heart failure for former smokers related to their cumulative pack-years.

Compared to non-smokers, heart-failure risk was 68 percent higher for those with the highest number of accumulated pack-years. Other comparisons were not considered significant: 4 percent higher for former smokers in the lowest third of cumulative pack-years and 24 percent higher for the middle third.

Smoking-related heart failure risk was similar among whites and blacks and both genders, said researchers, who adjusted statistically for previously identified risk factors for heart failure.

SEE ALSO: Abstract 18263

Although the cardiovascular risk of most older, former smokers who quit the habit for more than 15 years becomes similar to that of older adults who never smoked, this health benefit does not seem to extend to former heavy smokers who smoked 32 or more pack-years before quitting. However, new findings demonstrate that although former heavy smokers fared poorly compared to never smokers, they had "substantial and significant" reduction in death due to all causes when compared to older current smokers.

These findings suggest that even older heavy smokers may benefit from smoking cessation, researchers said. The study was funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Note: Actual presentation is 2:45 p.m. ET, Monday, Nov. 14, 2011.


Abstract 16722

Heart attacks, sudden cardiac deaths drop after smoke-free laws enacted in Minnesota

The incidence of heart attacks was observed to decline by 46 percent and sudden cardiac deaths by 50 percent after the government enacted smoke-free laws in workplaces and restaurants in Olmsted County, Minn., researchers said.

County voters approved a law creating a smoke-free environment in restaurants on Jan. 1, 2002 and an ordinance on Oct. 1, 2007 making all workplaces smoke-free. 

Researchers measured the incidence of heart attack and sudden cardiac death during the 18 months before and after the two smoke-free ordinances were implemented.

Heart attacks were validated using biomarkers, cardiac pain and standard electrocardiogram coding. Sudden cardiac death was defined as out-of-hospital deaths with primary cause of death classified as coronary heart disease on the death certificate.

During the same period, prevalence of high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity either remained constant or increased and the prevalence of smoking among adults declined.

Note: Actual presentation is 2:30 p.m. ET, Monday, Nov. 14, 2011.

Abstract 15980

Even light smoking increases women's risk of sudden cardiac death

Women smoking one to 14 cigarettes per day had an almost two times higher risk of sudden cardiac death compared to women who don't smoke, according to a new study.

The study also found that women who quit reduced and eventually eliminated the excess risk after 15 years of non-smoking.

Among the study of 101,018 women in the Nurses' Health Study, 29 percent were current smokers, 26 percent past smokers and 45 percent never smokers.

During follow-up, 19.7 percent of current smokers quit smoking and 333 sudden cardiac deaths were confirmed.

Compared to never smokers, current smokers had a 2.5 times higher sudden cardiac death risk. The risk of sudden cardiac death was also higher with more cigarettes smoked per day: 

  • 1-14 cigarettes/day linked with a 1.89 times higher risk.
  • 15-24 cigarettes/day linked with a 2.65 times higher risk.
  • More than 25 cigarettes/day linked with a 3.43 times higher risk.

Participants were free of cardiovascular disease and were followed prospectively in 1980-2008. Sudden cardiac death was defined as death within one hour of symptom onset.

Note: Actual presentation is 2:15 p.m. ET, Monday, Nov. 14, 2011.

Author disclosures are on the abstracts.

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Statements and conclusions of study authors that are presented at American Heart Association scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect association policy or position.  The association makes no representation or warranty as to their accuracy or reliability. The association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events.  The association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content.  Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations are available at www.heart.org/corporatefunding.

NR11-1142 (Sessions11/Smoking Tip Sheet)

Additional Resources: The American Heart Association supports adequate funding for state tobacco cessation and prevention programs, robust coverage in private and public health plans for tobacco cessation, clean indoor air laws and excise taxes. For more information:  www.heart.org/tobaccocontrol.

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