Tobacco-Induced Artery Damage Can be Reversed by Smoking Cessation




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Long-term smoking is well-known as a serious risk factor in developing artery stiffness. However, according to a recent study reported at the Journal of the American Heart Association, smoking-induced arterial damage can be successfully treated by smoking cessation. This cross-sectional research, led by Dr. Noor Ahmed Jatoi, showed that the level of arterial stiffness in ex-smokers who had abstained from consuming tobacco for at least 12 years could be reduced to normal parameters, typical of that in people who had never smoked.

Smoking is positively associated with a number of devastating diseases, among which are various types of cancer, lung disease, stroke, heart attack, and other cardiac pathologies. A vast body of research also shows that short-term and especially long-term smoking, including a chronic passive exposure to cigarette fumes, can lead to the condition of arterial damage, known as artery stiffness. This pathological syndrome inevitably leads to the development of blood vessels’ resistance, hypertension, and an increased workload to the heart, which directly contributes to cardio-vascular disease.

The study examined 554 people who had untreated hypertension, 150 of whom were current smokers, 136 - ex-smokers, and 268 had never smoked. Roughly a half of the participants were male, with the average age of the subjects being 47 years old. In the course of the study, the diagnostic method of Arterial Pulse Wave Analysis was used in order to determine the degree of arterial stiffness in the subjects.

The results of the study showed that those who still smoked, as well as recent ex-smokers, had a considerably higher level of arterial stiffness than those who had quit smoking a decade ago or who had never smoked. At that, arterial damage in ex-smoker showed an increased tendency to improve with a longer duration of their non-smoking period. Twelve-year smoking cessation was associated with a reduction in arterial stiffness to normal parameters.

This new study suggests that quitting smoking is a very important step in improving cardio-vascular health. Long-term smoking cessation can heal arterial walls and reverse the risks of developing cardiac and vascular problems.

Researchers still do not know the exact mechanisms of how long-term smoking cessation helps the body decrease arterial stiffness.

Melanie Twist

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Posted on March 1, 2008 
Filed Under Facts on Smoking, Smoking and Health, Stop Smoking News, Tobacco Research

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