Passive Smoking Can Harm Children's Hearts

much more damaging than previously thought

Many people like to rubbish the effects of secondhand smoke on young children but a new survey has shown that it is much more damaging than previously thought. The research which was done by the American Heart Association makes clear that toddlers who are exposed to second hand smoke can end up not only just suffering from respiratory problems but even exhibiting symptoms which are linked to heart disease in adulthood. The researchers also noted cardiovascular problems in obese children who were often exposed to secondhand smoke.

Professor John Anthony Bauer one of the study authors describe the cardiovascular implications of passive smoking in children as “important” and that very young children and those who were obese were the ones who were likely to suffer the most. The study noted a clear correlation between exposure to second hand smoke and the likelihood of incidences of vascular injury in toddlers that was increased by a further two times if the toddlers were obese.

The researchers said that obese teenagers also doubled their risk factor of vascular injury compared to teenagers of a normal weight. Toddlers exposed to smoke had 30% less circulating vascular endothelial progenitor cells which are essential for the proper functioning of blood vessels. This research that was presented to the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions was done using a whole cross section of children of different ages.  It is hoped that it will make parents sit up and examine the amount of smoke that they expose their children to.

Smokers should be aware that smoking does not just harm themselves but has a knock on effect on everybody around them and especially their close friends and family. Research is continually showing that the risk of smoking is completely indefensible and that smoking bans in public places should be rigorously enforced for the good of everybody.