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Introduction: Tobacco smoking is a common addiction in our society. The toxic chemical compounds present in tobacco smoke cause epithelial damage and inflammation of the airways. Chronic smoking results in the thickening of the pulmonary arterial wall and vasoconstriction, leading to the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Hence, measurement of pulmonary artery diameter using Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) may be helpful in the early detection of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Aim: To compare the diameters of the Main Pulmonary Artery (MPA), Right Pulmonary Artery (RPA), and Left Pulmonary Artery (LPA) using CECT thorax in smokers and non-smokers. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2021 to March 2022 in the department of radiodiagnosis, KS Hegde Hospital, Karnataka, India, consisting of 100 patients referred for CECT thorax in the age group of 18-85 years. They were divided into two groups: smokers and non-smokers, with 50 patients in each group. They were further categorised into three age groups: < 50 years, 50-60 years, and >60 years. The widest diameters of the MPA were measured at the level of bifurcation of the artery and perpendicular to the long axis of the artery. At this level, RPA and LPA diameters were measured at the widest portion on 1.25 mm axial images of the arterial phase. Variation in the pulmonary artery diameter was compared between smokers and non-smokers with respect to age and analysed by unpaired t-test and Pearson correlation. Results: Diameters of MPA, RPA, and LPA were statistically significant (p<0.05) in smokers compared to non-smokers. In smokers, MPA and RPA diameters correlated with age, which was statistically significant (p<0.05). No significant correlation (p>0.05) was shown between age and MPA, RPA, and LPA diameter in non-smokers. The mean MPA diameter showed a significant difference (p<0.05) in all three age groups. Conclusion: The diameter of the pulmonary artery is statistically significant in smokers compared to non-smokers. Hence, assessment of pulmonary artery diameters among smokers using CECT thorax will help to diagnose Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) at an early stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) has named tobacco one of the greatest public health threats of the twenty-first century. Tobacco smoking is an escalating public health problem especially in a developing country like India. Material and methods: This is a Case control study was carried out in Department of Biochemistry on 159 cases(smokers) 159 controls(non-smokers) patients those fulfilling inclusion / exclusion criteria and attended the outpatient and in patients Department of Medicine. A Comparative case-control study with 159 chronic smokers and 159 non-smokers is undertaken to study the changes in lipid profile and fibrinogen levels in chronic smokers. Results: The mean serum triglycerides levels in non-smokers and smokers were 130.68±19.54 and 300.93±63.51 respectively. There is a significant raise in triglycerides in smokers with p value <0.001 The mean LDL-C and VLDL-C values in non-smokers were 83.74±14.73 mg/dl and 26.03±4.04 mg/dl respectively. But these values were significantly higher in smokers (LDL-C=149.74±17.68 mg/dl, VLDL-C =61.72±13.32 mg/dl) as compared to those of non-smokers. The mean HDL-C in non-smokers was 52.00±6.26 and 43.94±2.28 in smokers respectively (p value <0.001) This finding is similar to that of Rosenson 67 who reported that there is fall in HDL-C level by 3-5 mg/dl in smokers. Bai-Mei-He 68 Cigarette smoking is associated with reduced HDL cholesterol levels. Conclusion: Our study showed an increase in the lipid parameters and fibrinogen levels with significant p values when compared between smokers and non smokers. Also showed significant rise in the lipid parameters and fibrinogen levels in heavy smokers compared with moderate smokers and light smokers, with the exception of HDL cholesterol which is decreased in all smokers compared to controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Smoking is an important cardiovascular disease risk factor, but the mechanisms linking smoking to blood pressure are poorly understood. Present study was done to compare and assess resting heart rate in smoker and nonsmoker healthy males. Our objective was to study the effect of smoking on resting heart rate. Material and Methods: A total 100 healthy male subjects in the age group 20- 70 years comprising 50 smokers as case group and 50 nonsmokers as control group were considered for present study at tertiary care institute of India. Subjects having history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease and neurological disorders and any other systemic illnesses in past and present in both case and control study group. Results: Smokers have significantly higher resting heart rate than nonsmokers. Resting heart rate is important parameter to measure the effect of smoking on cardiovascular system. Smoking related products are dangerous to health and cause many health related disease. Conclusion: Smoking is by far the hardest on the heart, increasing persons resting heart rate. Resting heart rate is easy measurable parameter with prognostic implications. Sympathetic overactivity which lead to cardiovascular disease development in smokers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The primary objective of the present study was to compare the prevalence and patterns of second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure in the home, workplace, public places, and at all three places amongst the non-smoker respondents between the two rounds of Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) in India. The secondary objectives were to assess the differences in various factors associated with SHS exposure among non-smokers. Study design: This secondary data analysis incorporated data generated from the previous two rounds of the cross-sectional, nationally representative GATS India, which covered 69,296 and 74,037 individuals aged 15 years and above. Exposure to the SHS at home, workplace, and public places amongst the non-smokers were the primary outcome variables. Standard definitions of the surveys were used. Results: The overall weighted prevalence of exposure to SHS amongst the non-smokers inside the home and public places reduced. In contrast, the prevalence in the workplace increased marginally in round II compared to I. The proportion of adults who were exposed to SHS at all three places did not change much in two rounds of surveys. A decrease in the knowledge of the respondents exposed to SHS at home and public places was observed about the harmful effects of smoking in round II. Age, gender, occupation, place, and region of respondents were found to be significant determinants of SHS exposure at all the three places on multinomial logistic regression analysis. Conclusions: The study calls for focused interventions in India and stringent implementation of anti-tobacco legislation, especially in the workplaces for reducing the exposure to SHS amongst the non-smokers and to produce encouraging and motivating results by next round of the survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Smoking is the third top risk for health loss in India, leading to nearly one million deaths each year in the country. The study aims To investigate interrelationship of parameters of Autonomic Function between current smokers and non smokers. Material And Methods: The Study was conducted at Physiology Department, Medical college, Vadodara. All patients were enrolled applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study compared the autonomic function test data of two groups of subjects. Asymptomatic male aged 19 - 44 yrs in current tobacco smokers as cases and healthy non smokers as controls. History, Anthropometric measurements, clinical examination, Vital Parameters(like Heart rate, SBP and DBP) and ECG recorded in lead 2 for R-R interval. Autonomic functions Tests like Expiration: inspiration ratio, Valsalva ratio, Change in DBP in sustained hand grip test Development of orthostatic hypotension on standing, Heart rate response to standing (30:15 ratio) were Recorded. Results: Maximum incidence was seen in >31 yrs of age(majority 31-40 age gp) The mean height in smokers was lower than in non smokers(161.98 ±13.011vs 170.7 ± 6.011) cms. The Weight of Cases and Controls were 70.21± 8.46 and 75.43±8.00 kg respectively. BMI of Cases and Controls were 27.45 ± 6.52 and 25.96 ± 3.20 respectively. Mean resting SBP is 132.23 ± 10.45 vs 121.33 ±7.46 mmHg; Mean resting DBP is 81.26 ±4.87 vs 78.33 ± 8.1 mmHg and Mean basal HR is 84.36 ±7.83 vs 79.86 ± 9.43 per minute. The mean value of HR response to E: I ratio in cases and controls are 1.11 ± 0.15 and 1.55 ± 0.24 respectively. The mean values of valsalva ratio in cases and controls are 1.086 ± 0.085 and 1.713 ± 0.312 respectively(p<0.0001). The mean values of increase in DBP (mmHg) during sustained handgrip test in cases and controls are 10.8 ± 4.78 and 23.43 ± 6.06 mmHg respectively(p<0.0001). The mean values of decrease in SBP (mmHg)during postural change from lying to standing in cases and controls are 15.26 ± 5.27 and 4.3 ± 2.53 mmHg respectively with statistically highly significant difference(p<0.0001). Mean values of 30:15 ratio in cases and controls is 0.947 ± 0.165 and 1.045 ± 0.042 respectively. The mean difference in E: I ratio is statistically significant (p<0.0026). Conclusion: Smoking is so debilitating that immediate cessation of habit is always the first step of program to improve one's health. Clinical symptoms of autonomic failure may appear late in the course of disease. Early assessment of degree of autonomic dysfunction can prevent hazardous complications related to Smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The incidence of oral cancer is increasing in south-central Asia. Though it can be detected early, most cases were reported in late stages, resulting in a poor prognosis. Reducing the patient interval will facilitate early diagnosis and better disease survival.  The paucity of research on the patient interval in oral cancer has limited our ability to design and evaluate programs for early diagnosis., Methods: The study was conducted to identify the duration of patient interval and associated factors in oral cancer. Patients with oral cancer reporting at a tertiary cancer center during the study period were interviewed using validated data collection tools. The 'Aarhus statement' guidelines were followed in designing and reporting the study., Results: Among the 261 participants, 54% reported a patient interval of more than 90 days. The median (IQR) patient interval was 92 (38-168) days. In the multivariate binary logistic regression model, those who approached healthcare facilities due to pain (OR, 8.3, 95% CI, 2.9 to 23.4) were more likely to have a patient interval of more than 90 days over those who came due to insistence by family. Smoking status (Current smoker vs. never smoker) at the time of diagnosis (OR, 2.518, 95% CI, 1.3 to 4.7), Stage of cancer (late vs. early) of participants (OR, 2.62, 95% CI, 1.3 to 5.2), and time of travel (>30 minutes vs. ≤ 10 minutes) to health care facility (OR 5.8, 95% CI, 1.6 to 21.7) were the other significant predict8  6766667ors for the patient interval of more than 90 days., Conclusion: Patient interval in oral cancer can be reduced by improving symptom awareness, abstinence from tobacco use, and facilitating access to health care facilities. The double burden of tobacco use in oral cancer, as it increases the risk of disease occurrence and delays symptom presentation, needs serious policy considerations in the context of cancer prevention.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is common among non-smokers exposed to solid fuel combustion at home. Different clinical characteristics in these patients may have significant therapeutic and prognostic implications. METHODS: We used medical record review and a questionnaire among COPD patients at 15 centres across India to capture data on demographic details, different types of exposures and clinical characteristics. Chest radiography and pulmonary function testing were performed in all 1984 cases; C-reactive protein and exhaled breath nitric oxide were measured wherever available. RESULTS: There were 1388 current or ex-smokers and 596 (30.0%) non-smokers who included 259 (43.5%) male and 337 (56.5%) female patients. Sputum production was significantly more common in smokers with COPD ( P < 0.05). The frequency of acute symptomatic worsening, emergency visits and hospitalisation were significantly higher ( P < 0.05) in non-smokers with COPD; however, intensive care unit admissions were similar in the two groups. There was no significant difference with respect to the use of bronchodilators, inhalational steroids or home nebulisation among smoker and non-smoker patients. The mean predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 sec in smokers (43.1%) was significantly lower than in non-smokers (46.5%). CONCLUSION: Non-smoker COPD, more commonly observed in women exposed to biomass fuels, was characterised by higher rate of exacerbations and higher healthcare resource utilisation.

India enacted a smoke-free law in 2003. It is believed that smoke-free workplaces will lead to more smoking in private places such as homes. The national Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS 2) India 2016-2017 collects information on the self-reported prevalence of SHS exposure in homes and workplaces. The present study utilised the GATS 2 dataset to establish the association between working in a smoke-free workplace and living in a smoke-free home. 70.1% of respondents who worked indoors reported smoke-free workplace; 64.5% of respondents reported that they live in a smoke-free home. Respondents who reported that their workplace was smoke-free were significantly more likely to live in smoke-free homes compared with those who are exposed to SHS at the workplace (69.5% vs 45.5%, AOR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.5-2.1). Males, urban residents, family with fewer members, non-smokers and non-smokeless tobacco users were significantly more likely to live in a smoke-free home. Significant differences were also observed with respect to religion, caste, region and education levels. Our results provide conclusive evidence to support that smoke-free workplaces influence smoke-free homes in India. Thus, it highlights the importance of accelerating the implementation of existing national tobacco control legislation on smoke-free public places.