Bethesda, MD (June 29, 2015) - HFSA members could find interest in the recent article from Reuters Health, regarding the lowered risk of heart failure and death to former smokers who quit at least fifteen years ago. Data from the ongoing Cardiovascular Health Study of adults over age 65, indicates that the risk of heart failure and death to a former smoker who quit at least fifteen years ago is comparable to that of a non-smoker. However, heavy former smokers may still experience higher risk, even after the fifteen year period. The study included 2556 people who had never smoked, 629 current smokers and 1297 former smokers who had quit at least 15 years earlier.

While former smokers may still experience risk, results are encouraging that early enough cessation of the smoking habit can significantly lower the risk and improve their health profile.

To read the full article, please go here.