Effects of Cigarette Smoking on Cardiac Autonomic Responses: A Cross-Sectional Study

Nadeen Makhoul, Ishay Avivi, Sapir Barak Lanciano, Ella Haber Kaptsenel, Hana Bishara, Hagar Palacci, Chen Chaiat, Giris Jacob and Udi Nussinovitch
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Nadeen Makhoul: Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
Ishay Avivi: Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
Sapir Barak Lanciano: Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
Ella Haber Kaptsenel: Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
Hana Bishara: Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
Hagar Palacci: Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
Chen Chaiat: Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
Giris Jacob: Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
Udi Nussinovitch: Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 22, 1-9

Abstract: It has been suggested that some of the adverse, long-term cardiovascular outcomes of smoking are mediated by impaired autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity. Yet, this association is currently inconclusive. Heart rate variability (HRV) and the deep breathing test (DBT) represent common quantitative markers of ANS activity due to their simplicity and reliability. This large cross-sectional study was designed to assess the effect of active smoking on ANS function as manifested by HRV or DBT abnormalities. Electrocardiograms were recorded at rest for 5 min and during forced metronomic breathing. HRV and DBT were calculated according to accepted standards. Participants were divided into two groups based on current smoking status. The study included 242 healthy volunteers (196 nonsmokers and 46 smokers). There were no significant differences in age, sex, and BMI between groups. Cumulative smoking exposure burden (CSEB) for the study group was 5.3 ± 1.3 pack-years. Comparative analysis of HRV and DBT parameters according to smoking status revealed no significant differences between groups. Significant ( p < 0.05), yet weak or moderate correlations (r < 0.7) were found between CSEB and abnormal change in HRV parameters consistent with sympathetic overactivity and decreased parasympathetic tone. In conclusion, smoking for a relatively short period in healthy adults does not seem to lead to significant impairment in ANS function. Yet, the consequences of smoking seem to be amplified when cumulative exposure burden increases.

Keywords: cigarette smoking; nicotine; autonomic nervous system; heart rate variability; deep breathing test (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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