Effects of cigarette smoking on coagulation profile among smokers

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Cigarette smoking is one of the major causes of cancer and cardiovascular diseases leading to millions of premature deaths each year all over the world. Scientists have identified about 4,000 different substances in tobacco all of which have certain degree of toxic effects. At least 43 of them are known carcinogens. Cigarette smoking is an important and independent risk factor for atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disorders. Apart from active smokers, passive-smokers are also prone for the development of smoking related disorders. Smoking adversely affects the concentration of the coagulation profiles which causes abnormalities in circulation. Aim and objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of smoking on coagulation profile in chronic smoking population. Materials and methods: This present study was a case‐control study conducted among 50 smokers (subjects) and 50 non‐smokers (controls) aged 20‐50. Coagulation profile markers such as Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and fibrinogen levels were estimated with standard methods. Results: The results showed that the mean values of PT and APTT of smokers were significantly prolonged compared to non-smokers (P < 0.05), while platelet and fibrinogen levels were significantly lowered in smokers compared to non-smokers (P < 0.05). PT and APTT were also significantly prolonged with increasing duration of smoking as well as number of cigarettes per day, while there was a relative decrease in platelet and fibrinogen levels with increasing duration and number per day. Conclusion: It was concluded that cigarette smoking alters PT, APTT, platelet and fibrinogen values, while age, duration of smoking and number of cigarettes per day were determinant factors to the extent of coagulation dysfunction in smokers.