NYMC Faculty Publications
Second-Hand Tobacco Smoke and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: An Epidemiological Review
Author Type(s)
Faculty
DOI
10.1097/CRD.0b013e31827362e4
Journal Title
Cardiology in Review
First Page
94
Last Page
100
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2013
Department
Medicine
Abstract
In this review, we have sought to examine the epidemiological, basic science, and public health data regarding the association between second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure and the development of coronary heart disease (CHD). SHS increases the risk of CHD by 25-30% according to multiple cohort, case-control, and meta-analytical studies. Physiologic and basic science research suggest that the mechanisms by which SHS affects the cardiovascular system are multiple and include increased thrombogenesis and low-density lipoprotein oxidation, decreased exercise tolerance, dysfunctional flow-mediated vasodilatation, and activation of inflammatory pathways with concomitant oxidative damage and impaired vascular repair. As a result, chronic exposure promotes atherogenesis and the development of cardiovascular disease, increasing the risk of having an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). With the implementation of statewide and nationwide public smoke-free legislation across the United States and Europe, respectively, over the last 10-15 years, there has been a significant and reciprocal decline in the incidence of emergency admissions for ACS by an average 17% despite persistent attempts on the part of the tobacco industry to diminish the correlation between SHS exposure and CHD. These findings underscore the importance of the effects of smoking legislation on community health.
Recommended Citation
Dunbar, A., Gotsis, W., & Frishman, W. H. (2013). Second-Hand Tobacco Smoke and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: An Epidemiological Review. Cardiology in Review, 21 (2), 94-100. https://doi.org/10.1097/CRD.0b013e31827362e4