A study has shown that simply cutting down on smoking does little to reduce the risk of a heart attack, but quitting altogether can almost halve the chances. The research found that patients with stable coronary artery disease who quit smoking at any point after their diagnosis saw their risk of a major cardiac event, including a heart attack, fall by nearly 50%.
However, there was “minimal impact” on cardiovascular risk in patients who merely reduced their smoking habits. The study, carried out by French scientists, examined the effect of smoking on cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease using data from the international CLARIFY registry, which included 32,378 patients with the condition.
The author of the study, Doctor Jules Mesnier of Hospital Bichat-Claude Bernard in Paris, observed: “Interestingly, the first year after diagnosis was the crucial window for quitting.
“At the time of diagnosis, we should emphasise the importance of quitting and support patients in this challenge.”
Patients who stopped smoking after being diagnosed with coronary artery disease saw a significant improvement in their cardiovascular outcomes, regardless of when they quit, reducing their risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) by 44%.
The study revealed that individuals who merely cut down on smoking did not experience a significant change in their risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) compared to those who maintained their smoking habits. For every additional year of smoking after being diagnosed with coronary artery disease, the risk of MACE increased by 8%.
Even though quitters saw a “rapid significant reduction” in MACE risk compared to ongoing smokers, they never achieved the same level of cardiovascular health as lifelong non-smokers, even after years without cigarettes.
Dr Mesnier commented: “I like to tell my patients that it is never too soon or too late to stop smoking, though the sooner a patient stops, the better to lower cardiovascular risk.”
He emphasised that simply reducing cigarette consumption isn’t enough. “Short, clear messages are needed for smokers at every medical intervention highlighting the need to quit.”
Dr Mesnier also pointed out: “Telling patients they can cut their risk of a subsequent major event or death by half as we have shown here is a powerful message.”
These insights are due to be shared at the upcoming European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress set to take place in London.