October 27, 2009: Chronic smokers are noted to have an increased risk of developing heart disorders. Presence of other disorders such as high blood pressure and diabetes further accentuate the effects. Additionally, it has been noted that individuals suffering from heart disorders are more depressed than healthy adults. Nicotine tends to have a calming effect in individuals who smoke and is considered as the reason for nicotine dependence.

A study conducted in Boston reports that majority of the smokers admitted to hospital for heart disorders resume smoking once they are discharged from the hospital. Smoking is well known to have a detrimental effect on the functioning of the heart and cessation of smoking is advised in individuals who suffer from heart disorders. However, many individuals fail to follow the instructions which considerably increase their risk of further complications.

The Boston study relates this habit to the presence of depression in these patients. It was noted that about 22-24% of smokers admitted for heart disorders suffered from depressive symptoms. Cessation of smoking results in a condition known as nicotine withdrawal wherein, chronic smokers who have stopped smoking suffer from depression and other related symptoms that increase the craving for cigarettes. The nicotine withdrawal symptoms were noted to be at a higher extent in individuals suffering from depression leading to resumption of smoking. This becomes the tragic triangle of heart disease, nicotine dependence and depression which can increase the risk of life threatening complications in these individuals.

Counseling sessions, administration of antidepressant medications and smoking cessation methods need to be followed to break this tragic triangle and improve the outcome of treatments.

Source: Thorndike AN, Rigotti NA. A tragic triad: coronary artery disease, nicotine addiction, and depression. Curr Opin Cardiol. 2009 Sep; 24(5):447-53.    

Date last updated: January 10, 2010