Cardiovascular effects of pharmacologic therapies for smoking cessation

Tobacco dependence is a potent risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) diseases and, despite known harms of smoking and benefits associated with smoking cessation, approximately 20% of the adult population with CV diseases or hypertension continue to smoke. Extensive research has demonstrated that nicotine replacement, varenicline, and bupropion sustained-release are superior to placebo for short- and intermediate-term smoking cessation. Because of their mechanisms of action, some smoking cessation therapies have been thought to have the potential to increase CV risk, particularly if the pharmacotherapies are taken while individuals are still smoking. Hence, we have analytically reviewed the literature describing the CV effects of therapies for smoking cessation, particularly as they apply to patients with CV disease.