Passive tobacco exposure may impair symptomatic improvement in patients with chronic angina undergoing enhanced external counterpulsation
2008

Impact of Passive Tobacco Exposure on Angina Treatment

Sample size: 1026 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Efstratiadis Stilianos, Kennard Elizabeth D, Kelsey Sheryl F, Michaels Andrew D

Primary Institution: University of Utah

Hypothesis

Does passive smoke exposure impair symptomatic improvement in patients with chronic angina undergoing enhanced external counterpulsation?

Conclusion

Non-smokers with SHS exposure had an attenuated improvement in anginal symptoms compared to those without SHS following EECP.

Supporting Evidence

  • Non-smoking SHS subjects had less angina relief after EECP compared to non-smokers without SHS.
  • Fewer SHS non-smokers completed the full treatment course compared to non-smokers without SHS.
  • SHS exposure was an independent predictor of failure to achieve symptomatic improvement after EECP.

Takeaway

Being around smoke can make heart patients feel worse even after treatment. It's like trying to get better while someone is blowing smoke in your face.

Methodology

This observational study analyzed data from 1,026 non-smokers and 363 current smokers treated with EECP for chronic angina.

Potential Biases

Self-reporting of SHS status may introduce bias.

Limitations

SHS exposure was only assessed based on household exposure, potentially underestimating the true impact.

Participant Demographics

The study included 1,026 non-smokers (108 exposed to SHS) and 363 current smokers, with a mean age of 68 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p = 0.0082

Confidence Interval

95% CI 1.16–2.83

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2261-8-23

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