Tuesday, May 25, 2004

Smoking Therapy Paradox

Smoking is, of course, associated with all manner of ills.  Cancer and heart disease being the two major effects of the cause of smoking.  Well, heart patients, who have been smokers, may want to think twice before they give up the habit for good.

"In an unusual paradox, smoking cigarettes-a deadly habit that contributes to the development of peripheral artery disease-actually helps arteries stay open following a procedure to repair clogged blood vessels in the legs, according to a study in the June issue of Radiology. The study found that habitual to heavy smokers who continued to smoke after angioplasty had a lower rate of restenosis, or re-narrowing of the arteries, than nonsmokers."

“Carbon monoxide from smoking helps keep arteries open following angioplasty."

Nurse, give the patient his beta blockers, an ashtray, and a pack of Old Golds, stat.

Via Fred Lapides.

Posted by John Venlet on 05/25 at 08:32 AM
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