Healthy smokers at risk for cardiovascular disease: the usefullness of left ventricular function and metabolic status evaluation

Background: Tobacco use is a certain risk factor for atherosclerosis. Ultrasonography is the most used investigation for revealing cardiovascular disease. Metabolic parameters (glucose, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol) are modified by tobacco exposure. Aim: To assess global left ventricular function using the myocardial performance index (MPI), carotid arteries and metabolic status evaluation in smokers versus a control non-smokers group without any history of cardiovascular disease. Methods: The study population included 96 smokers (group I), without previous history of cardiovascular disease, and 93 control subjects (group II), non-smokers. Results: Smokers compared with non-smokers had significantly higher systolic blood pressure (p Smokers had associated carotid subclinical atherosclerosis (increased carotid IMT 28,1%, compared with control group 12,9 %, p Conclusions: Healthy smokers with asymptomatic LV dysfunction may have an increased risk for future cardiovascular disease. We recommend active screening of tobacco consumers for cardiovascular disease, as well as for metabolic co-morbidities, such as impaired fasting glucose and dyslipidemia.