There are various studies presenting the negative effects of secondhand smoke (SHS). Now, a new study has discovered yet another reason for nonsmokers to avoid exposure to SHS.
According to research led by Angela M. Malek, PhD, from the Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SHS increases the risk of nonsmokers to develop stroke by approximately 30 percent.
The researchers gathered data from a national, population-based study called Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS), which analyzes the details associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality among individuals who are 45 years old and above.
The databank consists of 45 percent African-American participants and 55 percent Caucasian participants. Specifically for the study, the researchers looked into 22,000 individuals, of which 38 percent are of African-American descent and 45 percent are males. The percentage of individuals exposed to SHS is 23 percent.
The investigators also looked into which type of stroke is more closely associated with their findings. The authors also applied adjustments and considered other stroke factors including diabetes, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.
Findings of the study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, show that from April 2003 to March 2012, 428 strokes were reported among the study subjects; 352 of these were ischemic; 50 were hemorrhagic; and 26 were due to other subtypes of stroke. After controlling some of the variables associated with stroke, the researchers were still able to yield a 30 percent risk for the nonsmokers.
"Our findings suggest the possibility for adverse health outcomes such as stroke among nonsmokers exposed to SHS and add to the body of evidence supporting stricter smoking regulations," said Malek.
In the future, it is necessary for studies to analyze the role of heart diseases in the relationship established in this current research. Possible exposure to other environmental factors such as air pollutants in relation to stroke should also be explored, she added.
Past studies lack features that this new study possesses. Examples of limitations include the fewer prospective studies, inconsistent mention of stroke and SHS exposure, lack of investigations about other stroke subtypes and a small study population size. In this new research, Malek said their sample size is large and that prospective investigations are included.
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