Abstract
Overwhelming epidemiological and pathophysiological evidence has shown that smokers are at significantly increased risk of developing acute coronary syndromes, while those with established cardiovascular disease have lower odds of survival. This chapter discusses the impact of firsthand, secondhand, and thirdhand exposure to tobacco smoke, as well as smokeless tobacco, on the development and progression of cardiovascular disease. Citing numerous examples, we demonstrate the extent of the cardiovascular damage caused not only to smokers themselves but to those around them and the processes by which these changes happen. Smoking is the leading preventable cause of cardiovascular mortality worldwide, making this a crucial issue to address. Strategies to reduce the global burden of tobacco are examined, including smoking cessation and, more controversially, reduction, on both an individual and population level. Biological pathways are reviewed, including atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammatory processes, and methodological issues in the literature are addressed.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Title of host publication | Interdisciplinary Concepts in Cardiovascular Health |
Subtitle of host publication | Volume I: Primary Risk Factors |
Publisher | Springer-Verlag Wien |
Pages | 167-186 |
Number of pages | 20 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9783709113349 |
ISBN (Print) | 9783709113332 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Jan 2013 |
Keywords
- Cardiovascular disease
- Mortality
- Secondhand exposure
- Smoking
- Smoking cessation
- Smoking reduction
- Thirdhand exposure