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Smoking bans reduce heart attacks

25 September 2009

Stopping smoking is one of the most important things you can do to protect your family and those around you from second-hand smoke, as well as reducing your own of health problems.

Dr Karen Woo, associate medical director for Bupa

Smoking bans in public places and work places significantly cut heart attacks, according to US scientists.

The research, published this week in the American Heart Association's journal Circulation, looked at the effect of smoking bans on the rate of heart attacks in several states of North America and some countries in Europe. Since the first smoking bans were introduced, there have been many reports showing a decline in hospital admissions for heart attacks in both smokers and non-smokers.

The scientists carried out a review of several existing studies that examined the reduction in heart attacks since the public and workplace smoke-free laws came into effect. The scientists were specifically interested in estimating the effect of smoking bans on passive smokers.

They found that there was a significant drop in the rate of heart attacks after implementation of the smoking bans, with a 15 percent drop during the first year and a 36 percent drop over three years.

Dr Karen Woo, associate medical director for Bupa, commented: "This is an exciting study and shows the benefits of smoking bans on health. The study adds to previous research showing how quickly the benefits can be seen after a smoking ban is put in place.

"There are many countries that still don't have smoking bans. This study highlights the need for wider implementation of the smoking ban in all workplaces and public places to protect the health of the general population.

"The take home message is that tobacco smoke increases the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attacks in both smokers and non-smokers. Stopping smoking is one of the most important things you can do to protect your family and those around you from second-hand smoke, as well as reducing your own risk of health problems.

"If you're a smoker and would like to quit, get support and advice. There are local and national smoking cessation organisations, such as Quit, that can help. Your GP will also be able to help. He or she may suggest counselling and behavioural support, or medicines such as nicotine replacement therapy."

Key facts
  • Smoking causes one in 10 deaths among adults worldwide.
  • Passive or second-hand smoking means breathing other people's smoke, which can have serious health risks.
  • If you're a non-smoker and exposed to second-hand smoke, it can increase your risk of getting lung cancer and heart disease by a quarter.
  • Tobacco smoke also affects children's health. It puts them at greater risk of developing lung diseases, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, and middle ear diseases.
  • Half of the world's children breathe air polluted by tobacco smoke, especially at home.

Related information

Lightwood J, Glantz S. Declines in acute myocardial infarction after smoke-free laws and individual risk attributable to secondhand smoke. Circulation 2009:1374-1379. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.109.870691

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