Lack of awareness of the cardiovascular risks of tobacco in France

A publication[1] Public Health France published on January 5, 2021 reveals significant gaps in the knowledge of the French population regarding the cardiovascular risks of tobacco. The dangerousness of low consumption and the early onset of risks are particularly underestimated.

The study was carried out using data from the 2019 French Public Health Barometer. This barometer is a telephone survey carried out among a representative sample of more than 5,000 French people, aged 18 to 75.

For 93% of respondents, the tobacco is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, only two-thirds of respondents are aware that this risk exists with less than ten cigarettes per day. In addition, a quarter of people were aware of an early cardiovascular risk in smokers, and less than 10% said that the cardiovascular risk was immediate.

Differentiated knowledge of risks within the population

Differences can thus be distinguished by age: the youngest (18-44 years) have relatively better knowledge of the early onset of risk and of the link between small amounts of tobacco consumed and the occurrence of cardiovascular risks. In addition, people with a baccalaureate degree and higher education, people with first aid training and those who feel they are at risk of cardiovascular disease report better knowledge of the link between smoking and cardiovascular risks. Smoker vs. non-smoker status is also a distinguishing criterion with a significant underestimation of risks by smokers: 17.5% of them stated that they had to smoke more than 20 cigarettes to be at risk (compared to 11.5% for non-smokers).

The need for prevention and total cessation of smoking

This report highlights a real lack of awareness of the cardiovascular risks associated with smoking. By comparison, the risks of smoking for lung health are relatively better known. As a corollary, this report highlights the need to develop media campaigns to raise awareness among the population as a whole and smokers in particular about these harmful effects. Health warnings associated with a plain package effectively disseminate messages and help to inform and educate the public about the harmful effects of tobacco products on health.

As a reminder, the cardiovascular health benefits of quitting smoking are almost immediate due to the mechanisms of accidents that correct themselves very quickly. If quitting smoking early considerably reduces the risks of cardiovascular disease[2], there is no age to quit. Even at age 60, quitting allows you to gain an average of 3 years of life expectancy. Smokers who quit smoking after a myocardial infarction reduce the risk of death by 36% and the risk of a new accident by 32%[3].

Keywords: Public health France, Heart, tobacco, health ©Tobacco Free Generation

---

[1] Olié V, Houot M, Soullier N, Richard JB, Gautier A, Nguyen Thanh V, et al. Tobacco and cardiovascular diseases: an update on the knowledge of the French, Public Health Barometer France 2019. Bull Epidémiol Hebd. 2021;(1):11-7. http://beh.santepubliquefrance.fr/beh/2021/1/2021_1_2.html [2] Quitting smoking early significantly reduces the risk of death from cardiovascular disease, Generation Without Tobacco, November 5, 2020 consulted on December 11, 2020 [3] Critchley JA, Capwell S. Mortality risk reduction associated with smoking cessation in patients with coronary heart disease. A systematic review. JAMA 2003;290:86–97. doi:10.1001/jama.290.1.86 National Committee Against Smoking |