Passive Smoking Linked to Increased Risk of Atrial Fibrillation, Study Finds
A recent study presented at the scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology has shed light on the correlation between passive smoking and atrial fibrillation, a common form of cardiac arrhythmia. Atrial fibrillation affects approximately 1-2% of the population in Western countries and is known to increase the risk of other cardiovascular disorders, including stroke.
The study, conducted by scientists from Seoul University Hospital, analyzed data from the UK Biobank database and found that exposure to secondhand smoke is directly proportional to the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. The study involved nearly 400,500 non-smoking adults aged between 40 and 69, with 21% of participants reporting exposure to secondhand smoke, averaging 2.2 hours per week.
During the 12.5 years of follow-up, 6% of participants developed atrial fibrillation, with those exposed to passive smoking having a 6% higher risk of developing the arrhythmia. The risk was found to increase in proportion to the time spent exposed to secondhand smoke, with those exposed for 7.8 hours per week having an 11% higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation.
This study highlights the importance of limiting exposure to secondhand smoke in order to protect cardiovascular health. Laws that extend smoking bans in both indoor and outdoor spaces play a crucial role in reducing the risk of atrial fibrillation and other related health problems.
For more health-related news and information, stay tuned to our website.