d Nutrition Examination Survey),
conducted in 1988-1994. Among the participants were smokers, 4187, 4791
former smoker, and 8,375 individuals who in their lifetime is not smoked at least 100
cigarettes.



According to multivariate analysis, the odds ratio for smokers
increase of C-reactive protein 10 mg / l and above, compared with
nonsmokers, reached 1.98. The odds ratio for improvement to the level of fibrinogen
85th percentile was 2.15 for homocysteine levels (85th percentile) - 2.10.



These associations remained significant (p <0.001), regardless of the form
confirmation of smoking status - if the poll or at the level of cotinine, not less than 10 ng / ml.
In addition, this association was dose dependent - the level of inflammatory markers
depended on the number of cigarettes smoked per day, number of pack-years
seasm cotinine. In ex-smokers and there was an increase
concentrations of inflammatory markers. The results of the analysis did not affect the correction
for age, ethnicity, body mass index, physical activity,
dyslipidemia and hypertension.



"The inflammation and hyperhomocysteinemia may play an important role in the progression of
atherosclerosis in smokers, suggest Dr He and his colleagues.



Ann Intern Med 2003; 138:891-7.

Source: Cardiosite.com