Abstract
Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that a decrease in arterial compliance is associated with hypertension and coronary artery disease. Decreased arterial compliance is thought to occur at early stage of cardiovascular disease. Smoking is considered one of the important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, effects of smoking on arterial compliance are not well studied. We examined the effects of nicotine patch on small and large arterial compliances in 10 healthy normotensive, nonsmokers. The study group consisted of 4 males and 6 females with mean age of 42 ± 12 years. A 7 mg nicotine patch (equivalent to 10 cigarettes a day) was placed on the right forearm. Heart rate (HR), systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), stroke volume, cardiac output, large artery elasticity index (LAEI), small artery elasticity index (SAEI), and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) were measured noninvasively using a HDI/Pulse wave (CR-2000) from radial artery waveforms. After 10 to 15 minutes of supine rest, measurements were made for pre-nicotine patch baseline. Then measurements were repeated every 20 minutes for a period of 2 hours after nicotine patch was placed. There was no significant change in any parameters within 60 minutes. Changes in BP, arterial compliance and SVR begin to occur at 80 minute in some subjects and continued at 120 minutes. There were no significant changes in HR, stroke volume and cardiac output. The results at baseline and 60 minutes and 120 minutes post nicotine patch are summarized in the table. In conclusion, nicotine in a low dose raises blood pressure, vascular resistance and decreases small and large artery compliances. An increased arterial stiffness in response to nicotine may be one of the mechanisms that smoking contributes to cardiovascular disease. Effects of nicotine in chronic smokers require further studies. Values are mean (SD). p < 0.05 from baseline. Values are mean (SD). p < 0.05 from baseline.
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