Heart attacks decrease with smoke-free workplace laws: Mayo Clinic

Smoke-free workplace laws are associated with about one-third fewer heart attacks

Heart attacks declined significantly after a comprehensive smoke-free workplace ordinance went into effect in 2007.

By: Mayo Clinic Published on Tue May 28 2013

A Mayo Clinic study shows that smoke-free workplace laws are associated with about one-third fewer heart attacks.

The study assessed changes in heart attack numbers within a large population base in Minnesota. Researchers compared the incidence of heart attacks in the 18 months before the smoke-free restaurant law passed in 2002 with the incidence of heart attacks in the 18 months after a comprehensive smoke-free workplace ordinance went into effect in 2007.

They found that heart attacks declined significantly — 33 per cent — and they noted a trend of decreased sudden cardiac death. Adult smoking dropped 23 per cent, but other cardiovascular risk factors — including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity — remained stable or increased.

Second-hand smoke exposure is associated with coronary artery disease in non-smokers. Research also suggests that the cardiovascular effects of second-hand smoke are nearly the same as the effects experienced by someone who is actively smoking.

Mayo Clinic researchers say the study points to the need to consider second-hand smoke to be a major risk factor for heart attacks as well as a possible risk factor for sudden cardiac death. They add that second-hand smoke could be addressed with the expansion of smoke-free workplace policies. Avoid second-hand smoke whenever possible, and if you have coronary artery disease, avoid second-hand smoke altogether.