Children regularly exposed to tobacco smoke face a higher risk of developing early signs of clogged arteries (Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes)
Posted on
Children exposed to secondhand smoke between ages 8 to 13 are more likely to show thickening of blood vessel walls, a precursor to hardening and clogging of arteries. Children exposed to the most SHS had higher levels of apolipoprotein B, which contributes to “bad” cholesterol, another heart disease risk factor. The findings suggest that children should not be exposed to SHS at any level; even small amounts of shs exposure may be harmful for blood vessels. The researchers concluded that children need to be provided with a smokefree environment.
Read the abstract of the March, 2010 study published in the journal, Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.