Passive smoking, also known as secondhand smoke, is the inhalation of smoke from another person’s burning tobacco product.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1.1 billion people worldwide smoke tobacco products, and around 15% of them smoke non-cigarette tobacco products such as pipes or waterpipes. This high prevalence of tobacco use means that tens of millions of people are exposed to secondhand smoke, so it’s important to understand the health effects of passive smoking.

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force that blood exerts on artery walls as it flows through them. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), and it has two numbers: systolic pressure (the top number) and diastolic pressure (the bottom number).

Systolic pressure measures the force of blood when the heart contracts, and diastolic pressure measures the force of blood when the heart relaxes.

An adult’s blood pressure is considered normal if it is less than 120/80 mmHg. Values between 120/80 mmHg and 139/89 mmHg are considered pre-hypertension, and values above 140/90 mmHg are considered hypertension, also known as high blood pressure.

Hypertension is a very common condition that affects about one in three U.S. adults, and it is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other health problems.

How Does Passive Smoking Affect Blood Pressure?

A large body of evidence shows that passive smoking causes a variety of health problems, including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory infections. However, less is known about the effect of passive smoking on blood pressure.

A 2011 systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 studies that investigated the association between passive smoking and blood pressure found that exposure to secondhand smoke was associated with a small but significant increase in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The review concluded that passive smoking could be responsible for causing about 4% of hypertension cases.

The increase in blood pressure was greater among people who were exposed to secondhand smoke for longer periods of time and among those who were exposed to higher levels of secondhand smoke.

A more recent study published in 2019 in the European Heart Journal found that passive smoking can cause a dramatic rise in blood pressure, especially in children and adolescents.

Related Article Secondhand smoke can lead to a significant increase in hypertension

The study analyzed data from more than 10,000 children and adolescents ages 8 to 17 who participated in the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents. The study found that children and adolescents who were exposed to secondhand smoke had significantly higher blood pressure levels than those who were not exposed.

The effect was especially pronounced in children and adolescents who had a genetic predisposition to high blood pressure. These findings suggest that passive smoking can be particularly harmful to young people’s cardiovascular health.

Why Does Passive Smoking Increase Blood Pressure?

The exact mechanisms by which passive smoking increases blood pressure are not fully understood. However, several hypotheses have been proposed.

One hypothesis is that secondhand smoke causes inflammation and oxidative stress, which can damage blood vessels and promote atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries). Another hypothesis is that secondhand smoke causes sympathetic nervous system activation, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure.

Yet another hypothesis is that secondhand smoke contains chemicals that can interfere with nitric oxide production, which is important for blood vessel function and blood pressure regulation.

How Can You Protect Yourself from Passive Smoking?

The best way to protect yourself from passive smoking is to avoid being around smoke in the first place. Here are some tips:.

1. Avoid indoor spaces where smoking is allowed, such as bars, casinos, and restaurants.
2. Ask your friends and family not to smoke around you or in your home or car.
3. If you have a baby or young children, don’t allow anyone to smoke around them.
4. If you work in a place where smoking is allowed, ask your employer to implement a smoke-free policy.

If you are a smoker, the best way to protect others from passive smoking is to quit smoking completely. Here are some tips:.

1. Set a quit date and stick to it.
2. Talk to your doctor or a quitline for support and resources.
3. Remove all tobacco products and smoking paraphernalia from your home, car, and workplace.
4. Avoid situations or triggers that make you want to smoke.
5. Find new ways to cope with stress or emotions, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies.

Conclusion

Passive smoking can cause a small but significant increase in blood pressure, and exposure to secondhand smoke for longer periods of time and at higher levels can increase the risk of hypertension.

The effect of passive smoking on blood pressure is more pronounced in children and adolescents, who may also have a genetic predisposition to high blood pressure. To protect yourself and others from passive smoking, it’s important to avoid being around smoke and to quit smoking if you are a smoker.