4-5 REDUCED CARDIOVASCULAR MORTALITY RISK IN
MALE SMOKERS WHO ARE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE:
"Our results indicate that middle-aged male smokers
who regularly engage in vigorous leisure time physical
activity have lower cardiovascular mortality rates than
smokers who are sedentary or only slightly active."
Archives Int. Med. April 28, 1997; 157: 893-994-5 REDUCED CARDIOVASCULAR
MORTALITY RISK IN MALE SMOKERS WHO ARE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE:
Results From a 25-year Follow-up of the Prospective
Population Study Men Born in 1914.
This study assessed to what extent physical activity
during leisure time modified the mortality risk
associated with smoking.
Conclusion: Regular physical activity was associated with
lower mortality rates in smokers as well as non-smokers.
STUDY
1. Population-based cohort
study entered 642 men — age 55 in 1969.
2. All were free of
cardiovascular disease at baseline.
3. Assessed smoking habits
and leisure-time physical activity by structured
questionnaire.
| 1. Mortality per
1000 person years |
Total mortality |
Cardiovascular
mortality |
| Smokers |
33 |
16 |
| Non-smokers |
18 |
8 |
| |
Vascular deaths |
Relative risk |
| No
smoking—vigorous physical activity |
4 |
1.0 |
| No
smoking—nonvigorous physical activity |
8 |
2.4 |
| Smoking—vigorous
physical activity |
11 |
3.9 |
| Smoking—nonvigorous
activity |
17 |
5.5 |
2. Vigorous physical
activity in smokers was associated with an almost 40%
lower mortality rate from cardiovascular disease than in
smokers who were sedentary.
3. The cardiovascular mortality rate in physically active
smokers was only slightly higher than it was in inactive
non-smokers.
4. Physically active men who did not smoke had the lowest
cardiovascular death rate (4/1000 person-years).
Sedentary smokers had the highest cardiovascular death
rate (17/1000 person-years).
COMMENT
- The majority of those
who smoke are unable to quit. Hence, it seems
urgent to find ways to reduce the morbidity and
mortality risks for those who cannot stop
smoking.
- "Our results
indicate that middle-aged male smokers who
regularly engage in vigorous leisure time
physical activity have lower cardiovascular
mortality rates than smokers who are sedentary or
only slightly active."
CONCLUSION
Regular physical activity was associated with lower total
and cardiovascular mortality rates. Similar effects were
observed in both non-smokers and smokers.
Archives Int. Med. April 28, 1997; 157: 893-99
Original investigation from Lund Univ., Malmo, Sweden
Comment:
There are several means by which persons who smoke and
cannot, or will not, quit may reduce risk of
cardiovascular disease: switching to pipe or cigars,
vigorous exercise, estrogens in post-menopausal women,
controlling BP, controlling lipids, controlling weight,
and (care!) drinking one alcoholic drink daily. RTJ
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