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Exposure to passive smoking, or secondhand smoke, regardless of the amount, has been linked to a heightened risk of a serious heart rhythm disorder, a recent study unveiled. The findings, presented at the European Heart Rhythm Association EHRA 2024 congress, shed light on the significant health implications associated with secondhand smoke exposure.
The study, conducted by researchers from Seoul National University Hospital, South Korea, examined the relationship between secondhand smoke exposure and the long-term risk of incident atrial fibrillation, the most prevalent heart rhythm disorder globally. Atrial fibrillation manifests through symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.
Lead author Dr. Kyung-Yeon Lee emphasized the notable risks posed by secondhand smoke exposure across various settings. “The dangers of secondhand smoke were significant regardless of whether individuals were at home, outdoors, or at work, indicating that exposure universally elevates the risk of atrial fibrillation,” Dr. Lee remarked.
The study, encompassing adults aged 40 to 69 years, included a total of 400,493 participants. Researchers categorized the participants into two groups: the ‘exposed group’ comprising individuals exposed to secondhand smoke and the ‘non-exposed group.’
Results from the analysis revealed that the group exposed to secondhand smoke exhibited a six percent higher risk of incident atrial fibrillation during follow-up compared to the non-exposed group. Moreover, a dose-dependent relationship was observed, with each increase in the duration of weekly passive smoking associated with a heightened risk of atrial fibrillation.
For instance, individuals exposed to 7.8 hours of passive smoking per week faced an 11 percent higher likelihood of developing the heart rhythm disorder compared to those with no exposure to secondhand smoke. The risk of atrial fibrillation remained elevated across various environments, including homes, workplaces, and outdoor spaces.
Dr. Lee underscored the public health implications of the findings, emphasizing the need for stringent smoking bans to safeguard individuals from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. “The finding that passive smoking is harmful not only in enclosed indoor spaces but also in outdoor environments underscores the importance of smoking bans to protect public health,” Dr. Lee reiterated.
As awareness grows regarding the adverse health effects of secondhand smoke, initiatives aimed at implementing comprehensive smoking bans and promoting smoke-free environments become increasingly imperative in safeguarding population health against the risks associated with passive smoking exposure.
