Cardiac Effects of Passive Smoking

Smoking is the most important, preventable cause of coronary heart disease. Epidemiologic studies show that passive smoking is also an important risk factor for coronary heart disease. The effects of passive smoking on the cardiovascular system are not caused by any single component of tobacco smoke but rather by the effects of many elements including carbon monoxide, nicotine, polycyclic aramatic hydrocarbons, and other not fully specified element in the smoke. Harmful effects of passive sınaking are important also for children. Children with longterm exposure to passive smoke may be at elevated risk for the development of premature coronary heart disease. Cardiac effects of passive smoking are reviewed in this paper.