Acute Effects of Passive Smoking on Endothelial Function

Abstract

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.