Smokers Face 3x Higher Risk of Early Death from Heart Disease and Stroke Compared to Non-Smokers

A large-scale national study has revealed alarming findings about the connection between smoking and premature death from heart disease or stroke. Current smokers are almost three times more likely to die prematurely from cardiovascular disease compared to those who have never smoked.

These risks escalate significantly for individuals who started smoking at a very young age. Notably, those who began smoking before age 15 face a higher risk, with the highest risk observed among those who started smoking before age 10. However, there is a silver lining; quitting smoking by or well before the age of 40 can reduce this elevated risk by a remarkable 90%.

Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the study underscores the persistent danger smoking poses to public health. Earlier research conducted in Cuba suggested a strong link between childhood smoking and a higher overall risk of premature death. This new study aimed to determine if these findings could be generalised to other populations specifically focused on cardiovascular disease-related deaths.

Experts noted that the consistency of these findings with previous research from various countries—such as the UK, Australia, and Japan—was striking. The age at which an individual begins smoking is evidently a critical factor. Those who start smoking at a younger age are at an especially high risk of dying prematurely from cardiovascular disease. However, the benefits of quitting smoking, particularly at younger ages, are substantial and should not be underestimated.

The study analysed data collected from 1997 to 2014 through the annual U.S. National Health Interview Survey. Researchers examined medical histories, lifestyle habits, and demographics of both smokers and nonsmokers. The study included nearly 391,000 adults ranging from ages 25 to 74, with an average age of 47 and a female representation of 56%. Occasional smokers were excluded from the analysis, and current smokers were classified based on the age at which they began smoking.

During the follow-up period, 4,479 individuals died before age 75 from heart disease or stroke. After adjusting for factors such as age, education, alcohol consumption, region, and race, researchers found that:

Those who quit smoking by age 40 reduced their excess risk of premature death from cardiovascular disease by about 90%

Quitting smoking at any age offers significant benefits, with earlier cessation leading to better outcomes. The analysis revealed that compared to never-smokers:

Smokers who quit between ages 15 to 34 had nearly the same risk of dying from heart disease or stroke as never-smokers.
Those who quit between ages 35 to 44 had about a 20% higher risk.
Those who quit between ages 45 to 54 had about a 60% higher risk.
Those who quit between ages 55 to 64 had about a 70% higher risk.
Current smokers had nearly three times the risk of dying prematurely from heart disease or stroke.

Health policy experts emphasise the importance of preventing young people from starting to smoke while also encouraging current smokers to quit as soon as possible. “Preventing the next generation from smoking can save lives,” they asserted. “However, we must also highlight that quitting smoking can save lives now and in the future.”

Starting to smoke at younger ages can significantly increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease, validating long-standing positions on the severe health hazards associated with smoking. Effective multi-episode counselling and medical therapies for cessation should be accessible to all, making stopping smoking an urgent priority for smokers of all ages, especially the young.

These findings are particularly relevant given the rise in e-cigarette use in recent years. Although this study precedes the surge in vaping, it raises concerns about similar long-term outcomes associated with vaping. Emerging health risks related to vaping among teenagers suggest it can be a precursor to smoking combustible cigarettes.

More research is needed to better understand how prolonged smoking from childhood affects cardiovascular risk. Future studies should also explore early smoking initiation’s association with death from other causes like respiratory diseases and cancers in different populations.

The American Heart Association (AHA) has long been a relentless force for promoting longer, healthier lives globally. By collaborating with numerous organisations and powered by millions of volunteers, they fund innovative research, advocate for public health, and share life-saving resources. For nearly a century, AHA has been a leading source of health information.

This study adds significant evidence to the critical importance of preventing young people from starting to smoke and encouraging current smokers to quit as early as possible. The health benefits of quitting smoking are substantial and widespread, offering a clear path to reducing premature death from cardiovascular disease.

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