Smoking Increases the Risk of Arrhythmias, Especially Atrial Fibrillation

Smoking is strongly linked to cardiovascular diseases, and numerous studies have confirmed that it is an independent risk factor for conditions such as coronary heart disease and stroke. There is also growing evidence showing a significant association between smoking and arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation (AFib).

Scientific Evidence Links Smoking to Atrial Fibrillation

A 2011 U.S. study involving 15,000 adults aged 45 to 64 found that smoking increases the risk of developing AFib. Over an average follow-up period of 13 years, 876 participants developed atrial fibrillation. Researchers compared the incidence of AFib between smokers and non-smokers and found that former smokers had a 32% higher risk of developing AFib compared to those who never smoked. Current smokers, on the other hand, faced double the risk of AFib compared to individuals who had never smoked.

Dose-Response Relationship Confirmed

A recent European study revealed that smoking as few as 10 cigarettes per day can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation by 14%. The research highlighted a linear dose-response relationship, meaning that each additional cigarette smoked increases the risk further. Current smokers experienced a 32% increased risk, while all smokers (both current and former) combined had a 21% increased risk. Former smokers alone had a 9% increased risk, further supporting the dose-response connection. Experts advise, "If you smoke, quit. If you don't smoke, don't start."

Smoking as a Deadly Addiction

Smoking is a deadly addictive disease. On average, half of all lifelong smokers will die from smoking-related causes, losing nearly a decade of life expectancy. Less than half of smokers will quit before it's too late. While global smoking rates are declining, smoking remains prevalent, especially among women, adolescents, and vulnerable populations.

Global Research Confirms Increased Risk

A meta-analysis of 29 prospective studies from Europe, North America, Australia, and Japan included 677,785 participants and recorded 39,282 cases of atrial fibrillation. Compared to non-smokers, individuals smoking 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 29 cigarettes daily had a 9%, 17%, 25%, 32%, 39%, and 45% increased risk of AFib, respectively. Additionally, each decade of smoking was associated with a 16% increase in AFib risk. Smoking history was measured in pack-years, calculated by multiplying the number of packs smoked per day by the number of years smoked.

Low-Tar and Filtered Cigarettes Are Not Safer

It's important to note that so-called safer alternatives like low-tar ("light"), filtered cigarettes, or cigars are still harmful. Can quitting smoking reduce the risk of AFib? The answer is yes. Research has shown that quitting before age 40 can eliminate nearly 90% of the excess mortality risk linked to smoking. While former smokers still carry a higher risk of AFib than those who never smoked, quitting significantly lowers that risk. In short, it's never too late to quit smoking and improve your health.