Smoking Bans Save Lives - October 2009

Did you know…

Smoking bans save lives?

U.S. and showed at least a 17 percent reduction in heart attacks one year after a ban is implemented.  These studies show that the longer a ban is in effect, the bigger the reduction in heart attacks.  For example, one ban that was in effect for three years showed a 36% drop in heart attack rates.

One of the first studies to show this effect was conducted in part by Colorado Prevention Center. Heart attack rates after a smoking ban was implemented in Pueblo, Colorado were compared with a nearby city that did not have a smoking ban.  A 27% decrease in heart attack rates in Pueblo was seen 18 months following the ban.  These findings led cities across the U.S. and now also Europe to implement similar smoking bans in public places.

If there are any doubters, Helena, Montana, implemented a smoking ban in public places that reduced heart attacks admissions to the hospital by 60%.  When a judge reversed the banning ordinance, the incidence of heart attacks returned to previous levels.

The authors of this study explain that the effects of second hand smoke are remarkably potent.  Another study focusing on passive smoke exposure states that the strongest effect is seen in spouses of smokers.  Second hand smoke exposure increases a non-smoker’s risk of heart attack by as much as 30%.

What does CPC recommend?

Both smoking and exposure to second hand smoke increase your chance of suffering a heart attack or stroke.  Smoke causes blood clots to form more easily, which can block arteries, and it lowers the levels of “good” HDL cholesterol, which lowers the body’s natural protection against heart disease.

Non-smokers who work or live around smoke, even in small amounts, are increasing their risk of heart attack and stroke.  Eliminating or decreasing exposure as much as possible is recommended.  Increase fresh air flow indoors, or have smokers always smoke outside.  Smokers should make every effort to quit, not only for their own health but for those around them.

The studies cited above are published in:

Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 2009 Sep.29, Meyers DG, et al.

Circulation. 2006 Oct 3, Bartecchi C, et al.

Circulation, 2009 Sept 15, Pope CA, et al.