Short- and long-term effects of smoking on arterial wall properties in habitual smokers

Department of Pharmacology, University of Limburg, Maastricht, The Netherlands.

OBJECTIVES. This study investigated the short-term effects of smoking on hemodynamic function and distensibility and compliance of large arteries in habitual smokers. In addition, the effect of smoking was not measured in nonsmokers, but vessel wall properties were compared between smokers and nonsmokers (basal state). BACKGROUND. Smoking is a well known risk factor for atherosclerosis. Loss of distensibility and compliance of large arteries may play a role in the onset of atherosclerosis. METHODS. The distensibility and compliance coefficients of the common carotid and brachial arteries were determined from the arterial wall displacement during systole and the end-diastolic diameter by using a vessel wall movement detector and from the pulse pressure as assessed in the upper arm. Cardiac function (cardiac output, stroke volume) was measured with Doppler echocardiography. Systemic vascular resistance was calculated as mean arterial pressure divided by cardiac output. RESULTS. In habitual smokers, smoking one cigarette caused a sharp increase in blood pressure (6%) and heart rate (14%). Cardiac index increased (16%), mainly because of the marked increase in heart rate. Stroke and systemic vascular resistance indexes did not change significantly. Smoking enhanced forearm blood flow after wrist occlusion (17%), but total forearm blood flow was unchanged, suggesting an increase in muscle blood flow and a decrease in skin flow. Because of higher blood pressure, the diameter of the elastic common carotid artery increased by 3% (passive phenomenon). Distensibility of the carotid artery decreased (7%), and as a result, carotid compliance was preserved. In contrast, despite higher blood pressure, the diameter of the muscular brachial artery did not change, suggesting an increased vascular tone. Brachial distensibility and compliance decreased (18% and 19%, respectively). Habitual smokers were comparable to nonsmokers with regard to blood pressure, cardiac function, vascular resistance and vessel wall properties of large arteries. Heart rate was higher in habitual smokers (14%). CONCLUSIONS. These data indicate that in habitual smokers, smoking one cigarette causes short-term increases in arterial wall stiffness that might be harmful to the artery and increase the risk for plaque rupture. Except for a higher heart rate, no obvious long-term effect of smoking was observed on hemodynamic variables and arterial stiffness. Because acute cardiovascular events are mainly due to plaque rupture, the short-term effects of smoking might be a more important risk than long-term effects for these acute ischemic events.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				L. B. Goldstein, C. D. Bushnell, R. J. Adams, L. J. Appel, L. T. Braun, S. Chaturvedi, M. A. Creager, A. Culebras, R. H. Eckel, R. G. Hart, et al. Guidelines for the Primary Prevention of Stroke: A Guideline for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Stroke, February 1, 2011; 42(2): 517 - 584. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				D. R. Moss, L. A. Lucht, K. E. Kip, and S. E. Reis Acute physiologic effects of secondhand smoke exposure in children Nicotine Tob Res, July 1, 2010; 12(7): 708 - 714. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. Upadhyay, S.-J. Hwang, G. F. Mitchell, R. S. Vasan, J. A. Vita, P. I. Stantchev, J. B. Meigs, M. G. Larson, D. Levy, E. J. Benjamin, et al. Arterial Stiffness in Mild-to-Moderate CKD J. Am. Soc. Nephrol., September 1, 2009; 20(9): 2044 - 2053. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				K. Kallio, E. Jokinen, M. Hamalainen, M. Saarinen, I. Volanen, T. Kaitosaari, J. Viikari, T. Ronnemaa, O. Simell, and O. T. Raitakari Decreased Aortic Elasticity in Healthy 11-Year-Old Children Exposed to Tobacco Smoke Pediatrics, February 1, 2009; 123(2): e267 - e273. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				N L Mills, J J Miller, A Anand, S D Robinson, G A Frazer, D Anderson, L Breen, I B Wilkinson, C M McEniery, K Donaldson, et al. Increased arterial stiffness in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a mechanism for increased cardiovascular risk Thorax, April 1, 2008; 63(4): 306 - 311. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				G. F. Mitchell, C. Y. Guo, E. J. Benjamin, M. G. Larson, M. J. Keyes, J. A. Vita, R. S. Vasan, and D. Levy Cross-Sectional Correlates of Increased Aortic Stiffness in the Community: The Framingham Heart Study Circulation, May 22, 2007; 115(20): 2628 - 2636. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				S. Laurent, J. Cockcroft, L. Van Bortel, P. Boutouyrie, C. Giannattasio, D. Hayoz, B. Pannier, C. Vlachopoulos, I. Wilkinson, H. Struijker-Boudier, et al. Expert consensus document on arterial stiffness: methodological issues and clinical applications Eur. Heart J., November 1, 2006; 27(21): 2588 - 2605. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				X. Guo, M. J. Oldham, M. T. Kleinman, R. F. Phalen, and G. S. Kassab Effect of cigarette smoking on nitric oxide, structural, and mechanical properties of mouse arteries Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, November 1, 2006; 291(5): H2354 - H2361. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				S. Oren, I. Isakov, B. Golzman, J. Kogan, S. Turkot, R. Peled, and C. Yosefy The Influence of Smoking Cessation on Hemodynamics and Arterial Compliance Angiology, October 1, 2006; 57(5): 564 - 568. [Abstract] [PDF]

				S. Tonstad and J. A. Johnston Cardiovascular risks associated with smoking: a review for clinicians European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation, August 1, 2006; 13(4): 507 - 514. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				L. B. Goldstein, R. Adams, M. J. Alberts, L. J. Appel, L. M. Brass, C. D. Bushnell, A. Culebras, T. J. DeGraba, P. B. Gorelick, J. R. Guyton, et al. Primary Prevention of Ischemic Stroke: A Guideline From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Stroke Council: Cosponsored by the Atherosclerotic Peripheral Vascular Disease Interdisciplinary Working Group; Cardiovascular Nursing Council; Clinical Cardiology Council; Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism Council; and the Quality of Care and Outcomes Research Interdisciplinary Working Group: The American Academy of Neurology affirms the value of this guideline. Circulation, June 20, 2006; 113(24): e873 - e923. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				L. B. Goldstein, R. Adams, M. J. Alberts, L. J. Appel, L. M. Brass, C. D. Bushnell, A. Culebras, T. J. DeGraba, P. B. Gorelick, J. R. Guyton, et al. Primary Prevention of Ischemic Stroke: A Guideline From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Stroke Council: Cosponsored by the Atherosclerotic Peripheral Vascular Disease Interdisciplinary Working Group; Cardiovascular Nursing Council; Clinical Cardiology Council; Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism Council; and the Quality of Care and Outcomes Research Interdisciplinary Working Group: The American Academy of Neurology affirms the value of this guideline. Stroke, June 1, 2006; 37(6): 1583 - 1633. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				R. L. Sacco, R. Adams, G. Albers, M. J. Alberts, O. Benavente, K. Furie, L. B. Goldstein, P. Gorelick, J. Halperin, R. Harbaugh, et al. Guidelines for Prevention of Stroke in Patients With Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack: A Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Council on Stroke: Co-Sponsored by the Council on Cardiovascular Radiology and Intervention: The American Academy of Neurology affirms the value of this guideline. Circulation, March 14, 2006; 113(10): e409 - e449. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				H. K. Reddy, S. K. G. Koshy, S. Wasson, E. E. Quan, S. Pagni, A. M. Roberts, I. G. Joshua, and S. C. Tyagi Adaptive-Outward and Maladaptive-Inward Arterial Remodeling Measured by Intravascular Ultrasound in Hyperhomocysteinemia and Diabetes Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, March 1, 2006; 11(1): 65 - 77. [Abstract] [PDF]

				A. Y. Chow, C. Chin, G. Dahl, and D. N. Rosenthal Anthracyclines Cause Endothelial Injury in Pediatric Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study J. Clin. Oncol., February 20, 2006; 24(6): 925 - 928. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				R. L. Sacco, R. Adams, G. Albers, M. J. Alberts, O. Benavente, K. Furie, L. B. Goldstein, P. Gorelick, J. Halperin, R. Harbaugh, et al. Guidelines for Prevention of Stroke in Patients With Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack: A Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Council on Stroke: Co-Sponsored by the Council on Cardiovascular Radiology and Intervention: The American Academy of Neurology affirms the value of this guideline. Stroke, February 1, 2006; 37(2): 577 - 617. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				K.M.A. Welch Statins for the prevention of cerebrovascular disease: the rationale for robust intervention Eur. Heart J. Suppl., July 1, 2004; 6(suppl_C): C34 - C42. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				S. Tsiara, M. Elisaf, and D. P. Mikhailidis Influence of Smoking on Predictors of Vascular Disease Angiology, September 1, 2003; 54(5): 507 - 530. [Abstract] [PDF]

				A. Mahmud and J. Feely Effect of Smoking on Arterial Stiffness and Pulse Pressure Amplification Hypertension, January 1, 2003; 41(1): 183 - 187. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. Westerbacka, A. Seppala-Lindroos, and H. Yki-Jarvinen Resistance to Acute Insulin Induced Decreases in Large Artery Stiffness Accompanies the Insulin Resistance Syndrome J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., November 1, 2001; 86(11): 5262 - 5268. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				L. B. Goldstein, R. Adams, K. Becker, C. D. Furberg, P. B. Gorelick, G. Hademenos, M. Hill, G. Howard, V. J. Howard, B. Jacobs, et al. Primary Prevention of Ischemic Stroke : A Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the Stroke Council of the American Heart Association Circulation, January 2, 2001; 103(1): 163 - 182. [Full Text] [PDF]

				L. B. Goldstein, R. Adams, K. Becker, C. D. Furberg, P. B. Gorelick, G. Hademenos, M. Hill, G. Howard, V. J. Howard, B. Jacobs, et al. Primary Prevention of Ischemic Stroke : A Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the Stroke Council of the American Heart Association Stroke, January 1, 2001; 32(1): 280 - 299. [Full Text] [PDF]

				Y.-L. Liang, L. M. Shiel, H. Teede, D. Kotsopoulos, J. McNeil, J. D. Cameron, and B. P. McGrath Effects of Blood Pressure, Smoking, and Their Interaction on Carotid Artery Structure and Function Hypertension, January 1, 2001; 37(1): 6 - 11. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				P. Angerer, W. Kothny, S. Stork, and C. von Schacky Hormone replacement therapy and distensibility of carotid arteries in postmenopausal women: a randomized, controlled trial J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., November 15, 2000; 36(6): 1789 - 1796. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				T. J. Smilde, F. W. P. J. van den Berkmortel, G. H. J. Boers, H. Wollersheim, T. de Boo, H. van Langen, and A. F. H. Stalenhoef Carotid and Femoral Artery Wall Thickness and Stiffness in Patients at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease, With Special Emphasis on Hyperhomocysteinemia Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, December 1, 1998; 18(12): 1958 - 1963. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. B. Lafleche, B. M. Pannier, B. Laloux, and M. E. Safar Arterial response during cold pressor test in borderline hypertension Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, August 1, 1998; 275(2): H409 - H415. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C. Stefanadis, E. Tsiamis, C. Vlachopoulos, C. Stratos, K. Toutouzas, C. Pitsavos, S. Marakas, H. Boudoulas, and P. Toutouzas Unfavorable Effect of Smoking on the Elastic Properties of the Human Aorta Circulation, January 7, 1997; 95(1): 31 - 38. [Abstract] [Full Text]

				M. Gallerani, F. Portaluppi, G. Maida, A. Chieregato, F. Calzolari, G. Trapella, and R. Manfredini Circadian and Circannual Rhythmicity in the Occurrence of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Stroke, October 1, 1996; 27(10): 1793 - 1797. [Abstract] [Full Text]

				L. M. Van Bortel, M. J. Kool, and H. A. Struijker Boudier Effects of Antihypertensive Agents on Local Arterial Distensibility and Compliance Hypertension, September 1, 1995; 26(3): 531 - 534. [Abstract] [Full Text]

				S. A. Glantz and W. W. Parmley Passive Smoking and Heart Disease: Mechanisms and Risk JAMA, April 5, 1995; 273(13): 1047 - 1053. [Abstract] [PDF]