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Second-Hand Smoke Poses Heart RisksWhat is the problem and what is known about it so far?Overweight or obese people are more likely to get metabolic syndrome -- a cluster of symptoms that includes high blood pressure, a large waist, poor insulin activity, and bad fats in the blood. Smoking also is linked to poor insulin function, and second-hand smoke is thought to make it more likely for people to get metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome also makes a person more likely to get cardiovascular disease (disease of the heart and blood vessels). Who was studied?The study included 2,273 children 12 to19 years old who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (NHANES III). How was the study done?Participants or a family member completed detailed surveys asking about their health, smokers in the home, and other factors. Participants also had blood tests to measure insulin function and other aspects of their health. What did the researchers find?Overweight children exposed to second-hand smoke were nearly five times more likely to have metabolic syndrome than participants who weren't exposed to second-hand smoke. Active smokers were almost 13 times more likely to have metabolic syndrome. What are the limitations of the study?Other factors linked to metabolic syndrome (lack of exercise and poor eating habits) were included in the study and may also explain the findings. What are the implications of the study?Exposing children to second-hand smoke makes it more likely that they will get metabolic syndrome and heart and blood vessel disease. |
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