Effects of smoking cessation on central blood pressure and arterial stiffness

Abstract

Purpose:Smoking affects arterial stiffness, thus causing an elevation in central blood pressure (CBP). The present study was designed to examine whether smoking cessation treatment improved CBP and arterial stiffness.Patients and methods:We conducted an observational study of 70 patients receiving smoking cessation treatment. Before and 60 weeks after the start of a 12-week varenicline treatment, we measured brachial blood pressure, CBP, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), normalized radial augmentation index (rAIx@75), left ventricular weight, and left ventricular diastolic function of each patient. The data were compared between the patients who succeeded in quitting smoking (smoking cessation group; n = 37) and those who failed to quit smoking (smoking group; n = 33).Results:Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. Brachial blood pressure remained unchanged in both groups. CBP, baPWV, and rAIx@75 decreased significantly in the smoking cessation group, while these parameters showed no significant change in the smoking group. Thus, CBP, baPWV, and rAIx@75 showed greater decrease in the smoking cessation group than in the smoking group (CBP, −7.1 ± 1.4 mmHg vs 1.2 ± 2.7 mmHg; P < 0.01; baPWV, −204 ± 64 cm/s vs −43 ± 72 cm/s; P < 0.01; rAIx@75, −6.4 ± 2.8% vs −1.0 ± 3.9%; P < 0.01). Left ventricular weight and left ventricular diastolic function remained unchanged in both groups.Conclusion:Patients in the smoking cessation group showed significant improvement in CBP, baPWV, and rAIx@75. These results indicate that smoking cessation can improve arterial stiffness and CBP.

Augmentation index (AI) in a dose–response relationship with smoking habits in males

“…Although the mechanisms are not still clear, endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress may play important roles in the relationship between AI and cigarette smoking. [28,29] Further, the present study indicated a clear dose–response relationship between AI and smoking status in males, in which AI might be increased as a marker of smoking-specific oxidative stress. [29] Although AI levels in former smokers (81.3%) were slightly elevated than those in nonsmokers (81.2%) in this study, former smokers showed an almost normal range of AI levels.…”

“…[28,29] Further, the present study indicated a clear dose–response relationship between AI and smoking status in males, in which AI might be increased as a marker of smoking-specific oxidative stress. [29] Although AI levels in former smokers (81.3%) were slightly elevated than those in nonsmokers (81.2%) in this study, former smokers showed an almost normal range of AI levels. By contrast, AI levels between light and heavy smokers seemed to be comparable, suggesting that smoking cessation, but not cutting down, may be favorable to the reduction of oxidative stress, as previously reported.…”

Aerobic physical exercise and arterial de-stiffening: a recipe for vascular rejuvenation?

“…The present study adds to a number of investigations, which have consistently shown a reduction in cfPWV over the short term, following different lifestyle interventions, including not only physical exercise [11][12][13][14][15][16] but also weight loss, smoking cessation and salt intake restriction [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25] (Table 1).…”

Effects of Varenicline on Cardiovascular Parameters and Oxidative Stress

“…Although some studies have reported on the effects of smoking cessation on arterial stiffness, the effects of varenicline on arterial stiffness are unclear. Takami and Saito reported that arterial stiffness parameters significantly decreased in smokers treated with varenicline a year after treatment (33 …”