Objective
Cigarette smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular events related with several mechanisms. The most suggested mechanism is changed activity of autonomic nervous system. The heart rate recovery index (HRRI) is an indicator of autonomic nervous system function and is an independent prognostic risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the HRRI in patients with heavy cigarette smoking.
Methods
Heavy cigarette smoking was defined as more than 1 packet smoked per day. 112 heavy cigarette smokers (72 male; mean age 39,5±9,3 years) and 69 nonsmokers (41 male; mean age 41,9±9,6 years) as a control group were included in the study. All subjects underwent a maximal Bruce treadmill test. The heart rate recovery index of the heavy cigarette smokers group at 1, 2, 3 and 5 minutes after maximal exercise were calculated and compared to those of the control group.
Results
Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of psoriasis and control groups including age, sex, height, weight, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, resting heart rate and echocardiographic parameters were similar. Only, body mass index was significantly higher in the nonsmokers group (26,5±2,5 vs 25,4±3,1, p=0,017). Total cholesterol, LDL, and TG levels were similar in both group, but HDL levels were significantly lower in the heavy cigarette smokers group (42,9±8,2 vs 47,3±9,3, p=0,002). Heart rate recovery at 1, 2, 3 and 5 minutes after maximal exercise were found to be significantly lower in the heavy cigarette smokers group (HRR1: 26,8±8,8 vs 32,8±10,3; p=0.0001, HRR2: 44,4±12,1 vs 51,7±12,9; p=0,0001, HRR3: 52,7±11,5 vs 57,2±13,5; p=0,023 vs HRR5: 58,3±10,9 vs 62,3±13,0; p=0,037).
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