4-5THE RISK OF HYPERTENSION IN ADULTS EXPOSED TO SECONDHAND SMOKE: A META-ANALYSIS

Abstract

Background: Overwhelming evidence supports the conclusion that cigarette smoking is associated with various adverse cardiovascular events, including hypertension. In addition, exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) can be just as dangerous because of the lack of filters. However, the effect of secondhand smoke exposure in increasing the risk of hypertension is still unclear. Objective: To investigate the risk of hypertension from secondhand smoke exposure among adults who never smoked. Method: Systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE and Science Direct for studies up to January 2020, which reported the risk of hypertension in adults exposed to secondhand smoke compared to those who did not. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: A total of 8 studies were included in the main analysis. The total number of subjects across all studies was 5,059,347 subjects. The pooled unadjusted results showed that exposure to SHS was not associated with the risk of hypertension (pooled OR = 1.21; 95% CI: 0.91 – 0.61). However, the pooled adjusted OR did show an increased risk of hypertension among subjects exposed to SHS (pooled aOR = 1.25; 95% CI 1.12–1.40). Subgroup analysis showed a more definite risk in the female population (pooled aOR = 1.28; 95% CI 1.13–1.45). Conclusion: When adjustment for potential confounders was made, exposure to SHS was associated with a higher risk of developing hypertension. Therefore, exposure to SHS has a significant public health implication for the prevention of hypertension.