Passive smoking and impaired endothelium-dependent arterial dilatation in healthy young adults
Article Abstract:
Passive smoking may damage the lining of arteries in healthy young adults, contributing to the build up of arterial plaques in atherosclerosis. Researchers measured the changes in the diameter of the brachial artery in 26 nonsmokers who were not regularly exposed to smoke (controls), 26 nonsmokers who were regularly exposed to smoke (passive smokers), and 26 active smokers. The participants ranged in age from 15 to 30 years. In response to excess blood flow caused by the release of an arm cuff, the arteries dilated by an average of 8.2% in the control group, 3.1% among passive smokers, and 4.4% among active smokers. Among passive smokers, the dilation of arteries decreased with greater exposure to smoke. This lack of responsive dilatation indicates compromised functioning of the arterial lining. The differences in arterial dilation between groups were much smaller when the dilation was stimulated by nitroglycerin tablets.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1996
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Arterial Endothelial Dysfunction Related to Passive Smoking Is Potentially Reversible in Healthy Young Adults
Article Abstract:
Impaired artery dilation in people exposed to passive smoking appears to partially reverse when smoke exposure ceases. Arterial dysfunction is associated with early cardiovascular disease. Researchers compared arterial function in 20 people exposed to smoke, 20 people formerly exposed to passive smoke, and 20 people not exposed to smoke. Former passive smokers continued to have arterial dysfunction, but artery function was improved, compared to current passive smokers. Arterial function was best among those never exposed to passive smoke.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1999
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Differences in the effect of cigarette smoking on endothelial function in Chinese and white adults
Article Abstract:
Differences in blood vessel activity between young Chinese and white adult smokers may partly explain the differences in heart attack rates seen in these two populations. Vessel diameter and flow properties were measured in 36 smokers and 36 nonsmokers from south China and 36 smokers and 36 nonsmokers from England or Australia. Vessel dilation in response to lining stimulation was greater in Chinese smokers compared to white smokers. Chinese smokers and nonsmokers from both ethnic groups had similar dilation responses.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1997
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