Even a little exposure to secondhand smoke can significantly increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, a common and serious heart rhythm disorder.
This was the key finding from research presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s EHRA 2024 event.
The study highlighted that the longer someone is exposed to secondhand smoke, whether at home, outdoors, or in the workplace, the higher their risk of experiencing atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation is a condition where the heart beats irregularly and often rapidly, causing symptoms like heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
It’s the most prevalent heart rhythm disorder globally and poses a significant risk, making individuals five times more likely to suffer a stroke.
Secondhand smoke has long been associated with diseases like coronary artery disease and can lead to premature death. However, its connection with atrial fibrillation has not been as clear until now.
The study conducted by Dr. Kyung-Yeon Lee and her team from Seoul National University Hospital delved into this association by examining data from the UK Biobank, focusing on adults between the ages of 40 and 69 who were not smokers and did not have atrial fibrillation at the study’s start.
Out of the 400,493 participants, about 21% had been exposed to secondhand smoke in the last year, with an average exposure of 2.2 hours per week. Over a median follow-up period of 12.5 years, 6% of the participants developed atrial fibrillation.
The study found that those exposed to secondhand smoke had a 6% higher risk of developing this heart rhythm disorder compared to those who were not exposed. This risk increased with the amount of exposure: those exposed for around 7.8 hours per week faced an 11% higher risk.
Dr. Lee emphasized the universal danger of secondhand smoke exposure, noting that it increases the likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation regardless of where the exposure takes place.
This finding is crucial for public health, underscoring the importance of avoiding environments filled with smoke and pushing for policies that restrict smoking in public areas and support quitting smoking.
The study’s implications are vast, indicating a need for greater awareness about the dangers of passive smoking. Not only does it reaffirm the harmful effects of secondhand smoke on heart health, but it also calls for action to protect people from its dangers.
By steering clear of smoke-filled settings and advocating for stricter smoke-free laws, individuals can safeguard their heart health and contribute to a healthier public environment.
If you care about heart disease, please read studies that herbal supplements could harm your heart rhythm, and how eating eggs can help reduce heart disease risk.
For more information about heart health, please see recent studies about A heart-healthy diet guide for seniors and results showing that Vegan diet may reverse heart disease naturally.
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