Cross-sectional and longitudinal association of cigarette smoking with carotid atherosclerosis in Chinese adults

ObjectiveTo assess the cross-sectional and longitudinal association of cigarette smoking with carotid atherosclerosis in middle-aged and older Chinese adults.MethodsThe study population consisted of 1132 residents in Beijing (748 women and 384 men) aged 35 to 64 years. Information on baseline smoking characteristics, including smoking status and pack-years was collected in 1993–1994. The cohort was resurveyed in 2002 and common carotid artery intima–media thickness (CCA-IMT) and carotid plaques were measured by B-mode ultrasound.ResultsThe multivariable-adjusted mean CCA-IMT at resurvey was significantly associated with smoking status at both resurvey and baseline, and was 0.72 mm for consistent current smokers, 0.71 mm for former and inconsistent smokers, and 0.70 mm for consistent never smokers at both surveys, respectively (p-trend < 0.01). The multivariable-adjusted odds ratio [OR, 95% confidence interval (CI)] of having carotid plaques was 1.5 (1.0–2.1) for consistent current smokers vs consistent never smokers. In addition, there was a significant dose-response relationship between baseline smoking pack-years and multivariable-adjusted mean CCA-IMT and risk of having carotid plaques at resurvey.ConclusionSmoking is associated with carotid atherosclerosis in middle-aged and older Chinese adults both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Smoking cessation may play a significant role in prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases in China.