Ex-smokers achieved non-smokers’ level of arterial stiffness after a decade of smoking cessation, in a cross-sectional study reported in Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association.
“Smoking is a major risk factor, not only for lung disease and cancer, but also for heart attack, stroke and heart failure,” said lead author Noor Ahmed Jatoi, M.B.B.S., D.C.N., D.M.M.D. “Our group has previously shown that smoking a single cigarette, passive or second-hand smoking and chronic smoking all lead to stiffer arteries, which in turn increase resistance in the blood vessels and, therefore, increase the work the heart must do.”
However, it was not clear if smoking cessation would be associated with reduced arterial stiffness. Stiffness in the arteries can increase blood pressure and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events.
“Our study reinforces the message that smoking cessation is an important step smokers can take to enhance the quality and length of their lives. It shows both the unhealthy effects of smoking and the benefit of smoking cessation on the arterial wall,” he said. “The longer one stops smoking the better.” However, researchers noted that results need to be confirmed in a prospective, longitudinal study – one that follows patients over time.
Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=65542