Smoking raises heart rhythm irregularity
Tobacco smokers are at a higher risk of developing a form of heart rhythm irregularity called atrial fibrillation (AF) compared to non-smokers.
A review of 13 years data about more than 15,000 people, aged 45 to 64 showed that smokers were 1.32 times more likely to develop AF compared to those who never smoked, says the report published in the journal HeartRhythm.
In addition, the new study showed that former heavy smokers had an 89 percent higher risk of AF compared to those who never smoked, while current heavy smokers had a 131 percent increased risk.
Specifically, there was a 12 percent lower risk of AF among individuals who quit smoking versus individuals who continued smoking. The finding suggests that quitting smoking lowers the risk of developing AF.
Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of arrhythmia or heart beat irregularity and often includes rapid heart rate. During the condition that disturbs normal blood flow to organs, the heart’s two upper chambers (the atria) beat out of coordination with the two lower chambers (the ventricles).
Smoking has long been known to be a risk factor for heart disease. However, the new study carried out by researchers at Mayo clinic, US has found more evidence that tobacco may also affect normal heart rhythm.
Some previous studies have also linked smoking with Atrial fibrillation. In a study of 5,700 Dutch adults, researchers at Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam found that smokers were about 50 percent more likely to develop AF.
AF "is a serious health issue that decreases quality of life and significantly increases the risk of stroke," said study’s co-author Alanna M. Chamberlain.
"It is my hope that our study findings will shed more light on the impact that smoking has on cardiovascular diseases, and help individuals realize they can play a role in preventing the development of atrial fibrillation," she added.
Source: presstv.ir
