Smoking cessation after a first cardiovascular event lowers the risk of a second event

This study investigated the relationship between smoking and the risk of a second cardiovascular event (CVE). Researchers suggested that after a first CVE, smoking cessation (SC; quit smoking) lowers the risk of a second CVE. 

Cardiovascular events (CVEs) include stroke, heart attack or death due to damage to the heart and blood vessels. A stroke occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is cut off. Brain cells don’t receive oxygen and begin to die. The abilities controlled by these cells are lost such as muscle control. 30 to 50% of patients are smokers at the time of the first stroke. Although the negative side effects of smoking are widely known, smoking is highly addictive, and quitting can be very difficult.

Prior studies showed that SC is more effective than medicines in the treatment of risk factors. However, a big percentage of smokers do not quit after a first stroke.

It is not clear how quitting smoking can be associated with a second CVE in patients who had a first event.

This study included information about 4673 smokers who had a first CVE. A third of the smokers stopped after their first CVE. During an average of 7.4 years of follow-up, 794 patients died and 692 experienced a second CVE. 

Patients in the SC group had a 36% improvement in the odds of having a second CVE. These patients lived on average 5 years longer. A second CVE occurred 10 years later when compared to patients who did not quit. In elderly patients (70 years of age) SC improved survival comparable to former or never smokers. 

This study concluded that SC after a first CVE significantly lowers the risk of a second event. 

This study did not account for changes in smoking behavior during the follow-up period.

Discuss with your doctor options for smoking cessation.