Smoke-free workplaces cut cardiac deaths

Mayo Clinic researchers have provided additional evidence that second-hand smoke kills and smoke-free workplace laws save lives, by reducing the incidence of heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths. Their research shows that the incidence of heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths was cut in half among Olmsted County, Minn., residents after a smoke-free ordinance took effect. Adult smoking dropped 23 per cent during the same time frame, as the rates of other risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity remained stable or increased. "This study adds to the observation that smoke-free workplace laws help reduce the chances of having a heart attack, but for the first time we report these laws also reduce the chances of sudden cardiac death," said Richard Hurt, M.D., director of Mayo Clinic's Nicotine Dependence Centre. "The study shows that everyone, especially people with known coronary artery disease, should avoid contact with second-hand smoke. They should have no - literally no - exposure to second-hand smoke because it is too dangerous to their health," he stated. The population-based study showed that during the 18 months before Olmsted County's first smoke-free law for restaurants was passed in 2002, the regional incidence of heart attack was 212.3 cases per 100,000 residents. In the 18 months following a comprehensive smoke-free ordinance in 2007, in which restaurants and workplaces became smoke-free, that rate dropped to 102.9 per 100,000 residents - a decrease of about 45 per cent. Additionally, during these two time periods, the incidence of sudden cardiac death fell from 152.5 to 76.6 per 100,000 residents - a 50 per cent reduction. "Our findings provide support to the life-saving effect that smoke-free legislation can have among community members affected by these laws," said co-author Jon Ebbert, M.D., associate director of Mayo Clinic's Nicotine Dependence Center. The study will be presented to the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions on Monday in Orlando.