PP.02.23

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to assess the influence of tobacco exposure on blood pressure and arteriography variables in current and former smokers. Design and method: A total of 68 current and 19 former smokers underwent areriography and were questioned about their smoking habits: the number of cigarettes smoked a day, the number of years smoked, and the time they quitted smoking; smoking pack years were calculated. Blood pressure and arteriography variables were compared between the two groups and correlations and associations were tested considering smoking load data. Results: Systolic blood pressure (125 ± 15 mmHg and 116 ± 13 mmHg, respectively, p = 0.012) and pulse pressure (53 ± 10 mmHg and 46 ± 7 mmHg, respectively, p = 0.018) were significantly higher in current compared to former smokers. The time quitting smoking was 12 ± 2.5 years in former smokers. The best correlations were obtained between smoking pack years and systolic blood pressure in the aorta (r = 0.430), pulse pressure in the aorta (r = 0.4090) and arterial age (r = 0.495), respectively, in current smokers. Regression analysis revealed significant associations between diastolic blood pressure, pulse presure, mean arterial pressure, the products: systolic blood pressure-heart rate and mean arterial pressure-heart rate, brachial and aortic augmentation index, arterial age, pulse wave velocity and ejection duration and smoking load data in current and former smokers. Conclusions: Smoking load impairs blood pressure variables, arterial stiffness, endothelial function and arterial age in current and former smokers, even after 12 years of quitting smoking.