Passive smoking increases the risk of heart failure by 35%

According to new data[1] Presented on May 16, 2021 at the American College of Cardiology Annual Meeting, exposure to secondhand smoke (passive smoking) is associated with an increased risk of developing heart failure, even in the absence of other risk factors.

Heart failure results from the inability of the heart muscle to normally perform its role of propelling blood around the body.

The researchers analyzed data from more than 11,000 American adults who had never smoked and were exposed to secondhand smoke as part of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)), with nationally representative cohort follow-up from 1988 to 1994.

Direct link between passive smoking and development of heart failure

Data show that nonsmokers who have been exposed to secondhand smoke have an increased risk of developing heart failure compared to those who have never been exposed.

The association between exposure to secondhand smoke and heart failure remained after controlling for other risk factors such as a history of other heart disease, high cholesterol and diabetes. The association was stronger in men and in people who had had a heart attack or stroke.

Previous studies have already demonstrated the impact of exposure to second-hand smoke on people already suffering from heart failure, particularly on their mortality, quality of life and difficulties encountered during exercise. However, this study is the first to show an association between exposure to passive smoking and the development of heart failure in the absence of a history.

The authors conclude that there is a need to further alert the general population about the cardiovascular risks associated with passive smoking, and more particularly people suffering from heart failure or at high risk of developing this pathology.

The harmful effects of passive smoking on health

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Tobacco kills more than 8 million people prematurely each year worldwide, including 1.2 million from exposure to second-hand smoke.

Exposure to second-hand smoke has immediate deleterious effects on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, causing coronary heart disease and stroke. Prolonged exposure causes the occurrence of certain cancers. For example, exposure to passive smoking in non-smokers increases their risk of ischemic heart disease by 27 % and that of lung cancer by 25% [2]-[3].

In addition, people exposed to passive smoking see their risk of developing oral cancer increase by 51 %[4], and, for women, the risk of developing breast cancer increases by about 30%.[5]In newborns, exposure to secondhand smoke doubles the risk of sudden infant death syndrome; in children, it increases the risk of respiratory infections, asthma, and ear infections.[6].

Keywords: Passive smoking, health, heart, heart disease, heart failure ©Generation Without Tobacco

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[1] Secondhand Smoke Linked to Higher Odds of Heart Failure, American College of Cardiology, May 5, 2021, accessed May 11, 2021 [2] Taylor R, Najafi F, Dobson A. Meta-analysis of studies of passive smoking and lung cancer: effects of study type and continent. Int J Epidemiol. 2007;36(5):1048-59. [3] Stayner L, Bena J, Sasco AJ, Smith R, Steenland K, Kreuzer M, et al. Lung cancer risk and workplace exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. Am J Public Health. 2007;97(3):545-51. [4] Mariano LC, Warnakulasuryia S, Straif K, et al. Secondhand smoke exposure and oral cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Tob Control Epub ahead of print: [04/28/2021]. doi:10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2020-056393 [5] Johnson KC Accumulating evidence on passive and active smoking and breast cancer risk. Int J Cancer, 2005, 117: 619-628. [6] Hill C. The health effects of passive smoking. Bull Epidemiol Hebd. 2011;(20-21):233-5. National Committee Against Smoking |