Effect of Chronic Smoking on Aortic Elasticity

AIM/BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of chronic smoking on aortic elasticity in healthy young individuals. METHODS: The study population was composed of healthy and moderately active 20 volunteer males (21.8±1.4 years old) who have smoked more than 10 cigarettes/day for at least 3 years and moderately active (Smoker Group). Twenty five healthy males were enrolled to the study as the control group (21.6 ±1.5 years old). Heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP, DBP) of each subject were measured. Systolic and diastolic diameters of aorta were measured from ascending aorta at modified parasternal long axis views by M mode echocardiography. Parameters of aortic elasticity such as aortic strain (AS), aortic distensibility (AD) and stiffness index beta (SIB) were calculated using standart formulas. The parameters of groups were compared to each other. RESULTS: In the smoker group the mean duration of smoking and number of cigarettes were 5.5±1.9 years and 16.2±3.8 cigarettes per day, respectively. We did not find any statistical difference between groups in terms of ejection fraction, heart rate, SBP, and DBP. Aortic Strain and Aortic Distensibility were lower whereas stiffness index beta was higher in smoker group comparison to control group. CONCLUSION: In the conclusion, aortic elasticity was significantly decreased in chronically smoking healthy youths. [TAF Prev Med Bull. 2008; 7(2): 147-152]