It can take decades for the heart risks of former smokers to reach those of non-smokers, according to a study of 5.3 million people. And the risk increases linearly with each year of smoking.
- A study of more than 5.3 million people reveals that after quitting smoking, it takes many years for the heart to return to optimal health.
- For light smokers (less than 8 pack-years), the heart risk drops 5 to 10 years after stopping. But for heavy smokers, it can take up to 25 years for the risk of cardiovascular disease to return to the level of non-smokers.
- The study highlights the importance of stopping as soon as possible to limit the damage.
Quitting cigarettes is a decisive step in regaining health points, but the path to cardiovascular recovery is longer than you think. A new study, carried out on more than five million people in South Korea, reveals that it can take several decades for the heart risks of former smokers to reach those of non-smokers. These findings, published in JAMA Network Openshow that the impact of smoking varies greatly depending on consumption history.
Between 5 and 25 years after quitting smoking
Researchers have identified a critical tipping point: eight “pack-years”. A “pack-year” is calculated by multiplying the number of packs smoked daily by the years of consumption. Smoking one pack a day for eight years, or two packs for four years, places a smoker at the threshold of eight “pack-years”, which itself determines the recovery time after stopping smoking, according to a press release.
For those who quit smoking before reaching these eight “pack-years”, the news is encouraging. In the five to ten years following quitting, their cardiovascular risk drops and almost aligns with that of non-smokers. On the other hand, for heavy smokers exceeding this threshold, the return to heart health comparable to non-smokers can take up to 25 years after quitting.
A risk that increases with each cigarette
The study is based on the analysis of the medical records of some 5.3 million participants, the majority of whom were middle-aged men (45.8 years on average). By monitoring their smoking history as well as the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and stroke, researchers found that the risk increased linearly with each year of smoking. For example, a person who has smoked for 30 pack-years doubles their risk of heart disease compared to a non-smoker.
Even after quitting, former smokers must therefore remain vigilant. The damage accumulated by smoking does not disappear instantly: the heart and blood vessels need time to regenerate. And for those who have smoked heavily, years of medical monitoring and good lifestyle habits are necessary to reduce the risks.
Conclusion, it is better never to start smoking, or to stop as soon as possible, ideally before reaching the critical threshold of eight “pack-years”. Because the earlier you stop, the greater the health benefits, and the more quickly the risk of cardiovascular disease decreases.
