Acute Effects of Passive Smoking on Endothelial Function

Impairment of endothelial functions has been shown to occur after acute and chronic exposure to passive smoking (PS), as assessed by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery. A total of 61 participants, 30 male and 31 female, mean ages 26 (18-36) were enrolled in the study. All were clinically well and nonsmokers. All participants stayed for 30 minutes in the smoking room. Carbon monoxide (CO) level was 7.42 +/- 0.98 ppm (4.71-10.50). Mean carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels of participants were significantly elevated after PS. Mean FMD was 18.6% +/- 9% and decreased to 12.4% +/- 7% after PS (P < .001). In the current study, with more number of participants at lower CO concentrations (7.42 ppm) and with smaller increase in COHb (51%) significant reduction (33%, P < .001) in FMD was observed.