No level of smoking is safe! People who smoke just a few cigarettes each day are seriously damaging their health, and women may be particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of tobacco. Smokers who are concerned about their health should aim to stop smoking completely.
Researchers at the Institute of Preventive Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark based their findings on a 22-year study of more than 12,000 people in Copenhagen. During the follow up, 476 women and 872 men suffered a heart attack and a total of 2,305 women and 2,883 men died from a variety of causes.
Many of the deaths were linked with smoking. They also discovered that some deaths were among those who were only light smokers or who said they smoked but did not inhale. People who claim not to inhale were 60% more likely to have a heart attack or die young compared to those who never smoke. Men run similar risks if they smoke six cigarettes or a cigar each day or were smoking 6-9 grams of tobacco per day with the relative risk of heart attack and all cause mortality of 2.10% and 1.76% respectively. Women smoking just three cigarettes a day or consuming 3-5 grams of tobacco per day run the risks of heart attack and all cause mortality of 2.14% and 1.86% respectively.
Women double their chances of having a heart attack and of dying early. The higher risks for women may be because they are more prone to respiratory disease than men. It could also be linked to the fact that smoking affects the balance of oestrogen, which can protect against heart disease. From a public health point of view it is important to recognise the increased risk associated with even a low consumption of tobacco. Smokers should aim to stop smoking completely and not be led into thinking that cutting down will be enough to protect them from heart disease. This study emphasises the importance of recognising that even very limited tobacco consumption has detrimental health effects.
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, August 2002, Vol. 56 (9)