Low bone mineral density predicts significant coronary artery disease at cardiac catheterization

Abstract

to test the hypothesis that subjects with TAO have a greater degree of tobacco dependence than do control subjects with coronary atherosclerosis (CAD). Methods: Subjects with TAO (n = 218, confirmed by angiography, biopsy, or noninvasive arterial testing) or CAD (n=343, diagnosed by coronary angiography) were mailed a standardized questionnaire regarding tobacco use, to which 103 and 273 responded, raspectively. Degree of tobacco dependence in each group was ascertained by several methods, including the Fagerstrtim Test for Nicotine Dependence Questionnaire. Resuks: The TAO group was younger at Index date (year of first diagnosis for TAO patients, year of PTCA for CAD patients) (TAO 37.6e9.0 vs CAD 43.3+4.9 yrs, P<.OOOl), but the groups did not differ in age at first tobacco exposure (TAO 16.7k3.1 vs CAD 17.3k4.2 yrs, p=.67), current tobacco use at time of survey (TAO 54% vs CAD 46%, p=.17). or Fagerstrbm score (TAO 4.7t2.3 vs CAD 5.1~2.3, p=.24). Kaplan Meier curves showed no significant difference in time lo stopping tobacco use after first diagnosis (p=.798). TAO subjects smoked fewer cigarettes per day than CAD subjects (TAO 22.3*10.7 vs CAD 27.7k15.3 cigarettes/day, p=.OO3). However, among current smokers (n=l53). the groups did not seem lo differ in number of cigarettes/day (19.6+7.9 vs. 22.5+11 .l, p=.20). Individuals in the TAO group appeared to be more likely to have made a serious attempt to quit smoking than those in the CAD group (TAO 97%% vs CAD 90%, p=O.O5). Conclusions: In contrast to case reports of extreme tobacco dependence in the TAO population, the degree of tobacco dependence in subjects with TAO is similar to matched subjects with CAD.