What's so passive about passive smoking? Secondhand smoke as a cause of atherosclerotic disease

Article Abstract:

More and more research is showing the negative effects of passive smoking on health. Passive smoking occurs in non-smokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke. About one-tenth of all smoking-related deaths are due to passive smoking. A 1998 study using ultrasound imaging to measure atherosclerosis in the carotid arteries found that passive smoking increased the thickness of the inner lining of the arteries by 20%. This indicates that passive smoking can increase the progression of atherosclerosis. Other studies have shown that the carotid artery is a good marker of system-wide atherosclerosis.

Passive smoking

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Homocysteine, folate, vitamin B6, and cardiovascular disease

Article Abstract:

Low levels of vitamin B6 and folate in the diet may be linked to elevated blood levels of homocysteine, which in turn is a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Many studies have shown that people with various cardiovascular diseases have elevated homocysteine levels. In fact, elevated homocysteine levels are as strong a risk factor as smoking, high blood cholesterol levels, and hypertension. Folate and vitamin B6 deficiency has been linked to elevated homocysteine levels. The decline in the incidence of heart disease may be a result of food fortification with these vitamins.

Folic acid, Nutritional aspects, Pyridoxine, Folic acid in human nutrition, Vitamin B6 in human nutrition

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Emerging risk factors for atherosclerotic vascular disease: a critical review of the evidence

Article Abstract:

Elevated blood levels of C-reactive protein, homocysteine, lipoprotein(a), and fibrinogen have all been linked to cardiovascular atherosclerosis but it is not clear whether people should be screened and treated for these conditions. This was the conclusion of researchers who analyzed 373 studies of these four risk factors. They are all natural substances in the body and are only a concern when present in greater than normal amounts.

C-reactive protein, Lipoprotein A, Fibrinogen

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