摘要：Dear Editor, The tobacco epidemic has been regarded as one of the largest public health threats, accounting for the deaths of more than 7 million people annually.[ 1] It has been found that 86% of the reported deaths occur due to the direct tobacco use while the remaining deaths have been attributed to second-hand smoke.[ 1] Furthermore, it has been reported that the majority of the smokers as well as the deaths are reported in middle and low income nations.[ 1 2] However, it has even been reported that the outcomes of acute myocardial infarction is much better among smokers (smoker's paradox) than non-smokers, which is an argument to be considered by the public health specialists.[ 3] Furthermore, the average overall smoking rates have declined slightly, from 8% globally in 2007 to 6% in 2015 among women.[ 1] The findings of a recently released report have indicated that a definite decline in the use of tobacco has been reported, in comparison with the figures at the start of the current century.[ 4] However, the reported reduction is significantly less, and it is extremely difficult to attain the global target of reducing tobacco consumption by 30% by 2025.[ 4] The relationship between tobacco and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is worth exploring, as they alone account for 44% of all non-communicable disease deaths each year.[ 4] It is an alarming fact that people are only aware at present that consumption of tobacco results in cancer, while a large proportion of the world's population are not aware that tobacco is a major predisposing factor for CVDs and stroke, which together account for the deaths of millions of people.[ 2 4] Moreover, there is a massive knowledge gap and people are not aware about the wide gamut of health risks associated with tobacco.[ 4] It is high time that national governments should take efforts to safeguard the general population and reduce the associated sufferings resulting from CVDs.[ 4] Intervention like ensuring that all indoor (public and workplace) settings are completely smoke-free, promotion of tobacco package warnings, encourage plain packaging, increase taxes, impose bans on marketing and production, and can play a great role in reducing the health risks of tobacco.[ 1 2] In addition, efforts should be taken to support people to quit tobacco and prevent them to initiate their consumption itself.[ 1] To conclude, tobacco use has been associated with premature deaths due to various reasons and cardiovascular diseases remain a major cause. It is the need of the hour to explore the association and take necessary actions to improve the quality of life of people. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.
