Secondhand Smoke May Clog Circulation

Secondhand smoke may increase the risk of poor circulation, a study has found. The study included 1,209 women. All were 60 or older and had never smoked. About 40% were exposed to smoke at home or work. They were exposed at least 15 minutes a day, 2 or more days a week. This exposure occurred for at least two years in the last decade. These women had a 67% higher risk of peripheral artery (or vascular) disease than other women. This is a narrowing of arteries in the arms and legs. The women also had higher risks of stroke and coronary artery disease. HealthDay News wrote about the study September 22. It appeared in the journal Circulation.