A rather astonishing figure has just come out of study done in Scotland, where smoking has been banned in public places since March 2006, which suggests that heart attacks in non-smokers has fallen by around 20% based on the same 10 month period in the previous year. The study encompassed nine Scottish hospitals, which represent two thirds of all heart attack admissions in the country. In the 10 month period in the year prior to the ban, admissions totalled 3,235 non-smokers and in the equivalent 10 month period following the smoking ban, this had reduced to 2,684.
It is impossible to claim that there is a direct link here but it is entirely possible. Cigarette smoke contains toxins which can trigger heart attacks in people with coronary heart disease. It is also possible that the milder weather is responsible as people are less likely to suffer heart attacks in those conditions compared with searing heat. It may take a few more years to establish whether there is a trend here or whether it is a one-off freak statistic. After all, one swallow does not make a summer!
If you would like to learn more about smoking and its effects or if you are trying to stop smoking then please follow the link to the relevant page on our website. There is also an information page on Champix, which is the most effective smoking cessation treatment available. The British Heart Foundation also contains some valuable advice on its website for people willing to kick the habit.