Making hypertensive smokers motivated in quitting: developing ‘blood pressure equivalence of smoking’

• DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0b013e3282f430c1
• Publication Date: 2009-03-05T16:03:32Z
• Authors: Chi Pang Wen; Min Kuang Tsai; Hui Ting Chan; Shan Pou Tsai; Ting Yuan David C...; Po Huang Chiang
• Keywords: Adult; Male; Motivation; Health Behavior; Smoking; Blood Pressure; Middle Aged; 3. Good health; Cohort Studies; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Patient Education as Topic; Risk Factors; Hypertension; Humans; Female; Smoking Cessation

Objective To express the increased risk from smoking in terms of 'blood pressure' so that hypertensive smokers are motivated into quitting. Methods Mortality risks were compared with nonsmokers a large worker cohort Taiwan (n = 23 755 17-year follow-up) for all-cause and cardiovascular diseases. The blood pressure equivalence was then identified by difference mortality between nonsmokers. Results Some interaction hypertension found to be synergistic. When co-existed, outcome [relative (RR) 4.25] larger than sum or product each individual (RR 2.16) 1.97). excess converted equivalence'. results demonstrate addition similar an increase approximately equivalent 40 mmHg. Conclusions Smoking cessation patients could provide reduction permanent mmHg pressure, over above any antihypertensive medications. Appreciating this relationship enables physicians bridge clinical disconnection motivates seek cessation. use smoking' can link two separate factors may lead paradigm shift overcoming existing challenge.