Smokers, especially those who start young, are three times more likely to die prematurely

DALLAS, October 28, 2020 – Current smokers faced nearly three times the risk of premature death from cardiovascular disease than people who never smoked, with a higher risk among those who started smoking in childhood, according to a new. research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access journal of the American Heart Association.

Smoking continues to cause approximately 100,000 deaths from cardiovascular disease each year in the U.S. There are currently approximately 25 million people who smoke every day, including 5 million who became regular smokers before age 15.

Previous research in Cuba has found a correlation between childhood smoking and a higher risk of premature death overall. In this new study, the researchers set out to determine whether the findings were generalizable to other populations by conducting a similar analysis of US data focusing on death from cardiovascular disease.

“It was surprising to see how consistent these findings were with our previous research and with other studies around the world, including the UK, Australia and Japan, among others, both in terms of the substantial risks associated with smoking and the health benefits. to quit smoking, “said study lead author Blake Thomson, M.Phil., D.Phil., an epidemiologist at the University of Oxford in Oxford, England. “The age a person starts smoking is an important and often overlooked factor, and those who start smoking at a young age are at a particularly high risk of dying prematurely from cardiovascular disease. However, quitting smoking can substantially reduce that risk. especially for those who quit at a young age. Getting people to quit smoking remains a top health priority globally. “

Using data collected between 1997 and 2014 from the annual U.S. National Health Interview Survey, the researchers examined the medical histories, lifestyle habits, and demographics of smokers and non-smokers. The study included 390,929 adults, aged between 25 and 74 years (mean age of 47 years), 56% female. Occasional smokers were excluded from the study. Current smokers were grouped according to the age at which they started smoking.

During the follow-up period, 4,479 people died before age 75 from heart disease or stroke. After correcting for potential confounding variables, such as age, education, alcohol consumption, region, and race, the researchers found:

• 58% have never been smokers; 23% were former smokers; and 19% were current smokers;
• Among current smokers, 2% started smoking before the age of 10 and 19% started smoking between the ages of 10 and 14; is
• Those who quit smoking at the age of 40 reduced the risk of premature death from cardiovascular disease by about 90%.

Quitting smoking at any age offered benefits, and the sooner a person quits, the better according to the results. The analysis found that, compared to peers who had never smoked:

• Smokers who quit smoking between the ages of 15 and 34 had about the same risk of dying from heart disease or stroke;
• Those who quit smoking between the ages of 35 and 44 had an approximately 20% greater risk;
• Those who quit smoking between the ages of 45 and 54 had an approximately 60% greater risk;
• Those who quit smoking between the ages of 55 and 64 had about 70% higher risk of death from heart disease or stroke; is
• Those who were current smokers had nearly three times the risk of dying prematurely from heart disease or stroke.

“Preventing next generation smoking can save lives, but we also need to stress that quitting smoking can save lives now and for years to come,” Thomson said. “In a nutshell, health policies should aim to prevent young people from smoking and should clearly communicate the benefits of quitting smoking to those who smoke, ideally as young as possible, and before serious illness sets in.”

“This study adds to the body of evidence that starting smoking at a young age can significantly increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. It validates the American Heart Association’s position that smoking is a serious health hazard, which is effective. multi-episode and medical counseling smoking cessation therapies should be available to all and quitting smoking should be an urgent priority for smokers of all ages, especially young people, “said Rose Marie Robertson, MD, FAHA, deputy head of science and medical officer of the Association.

“This data predates the explosion of e-cigarette use in the US, and similar long-term outcomes of vaping can only be assessed over time. However, health risks have begun to emerge and we know that vaping among teens. it is a precursor to smoking combustible cigarettes for many, ”said Robertson, who is also co-director of the Association’s Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science.

Thomson said more research is needed to better clarify the mechanisms by which prolonged smoking from childhood affects cardiovascular risk. Future research should also further examine the association between early smoking onset and death from other causes, such as respiratory disease and cancer, and in other populations.

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Co-authors are Jonathan Emberson, Ph.D .; Ben Lacey, MBCh.B., D.Phil.; Richard Peto, FRS; Mark Woodward, F. Med. Sci., Ph.D.; Sarah Lewington, D. Phil. The author’s revelations are in the manuscript. The researchers report no direct funding for this study.

The statements and conclusions of the studies published in the scientific journals of the American Heart Association are solely those of the authors of the study and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of the Association. The Association makes no representations or warranties regarding their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives funding mainly from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device and other corporations) also donate and fund Association specific programs and events. The Association has strict policies to prevent these reports from affecting scientific content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, device manufacturers and health insurance providers are available here and the Association’s general financial information is available here.

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