NHLBI IN THE PRESS

Cigarette smoking increases risk of heart failure in African Americans

African Americans who smoke might be at far greater risk of heart failure than those who never took to the cigarette, or who quit. The good news is that the ones who quit smoking may no longer be at increased risk. These are the findings of a new study, partly funded by NHLBI, published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation.

The study authors say that previous research has focused on the impact of smoking in atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, but hasn't emphasized its ill effects on the heart.

Patients with heart failure are unable to pump enough blood and oxygen to their bodies to remain healthy.

The study included 4,129 participants in the Jackson Heart Study with a median follow up of 8 years. At enrollment, none of the participants (average age 54) had heart failure or hardening of the arteries, which can lead to heart failure. Among participants there were 2,884 people who never smoked, 503 who were current smokers and 742 who were former smokers. During the study period, there were 147 hospitalizations for heart failure.