Being a current smoker significantly increases the risk of sudden death among heart patients.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) accounts for one quarter of all complications affecting those with heart disease and for more than half of all deaths from heart problems. Generally, SCD comes from a disturbance of the heart rhythm. Given that nicotine can affect the heart beat, it's very unwise for anyone with heart disease to continue smoking.

Researchers in Israel now underline the dangers of smoking for those with heart problems. They surveyed a group of 3,122 patients who were taking part in a clinical trial of a cholesterol-lowering drug. All had had a heart attack previously or had stable angina. They were divided into current smokers, ex-smokers and those who had never smoked.

Over the eight years of the study, 8.1 per cent of the smokers experienced SCD compared to 4.6 per cent of the ex-smokers and 4.6 per cent of the never-smokers. The researchers found no link between the length of time since someone quit smoking and the risk of SCD. In other words, the benefits of quitting smoking for heart patients start immediately.

Source

Archives of Internal Medicine 27th October 2003