The discovery could help explain why smokers have more than twice the risk of heart attacks than non-smokers. This study emphases the health benefits of giving up smoking no matter what your age Amanda Sandford, Action on Smoking and Health Paraoxonase is a enzyme which helps to prevent fatty deposits building up and blocking the blood vessels. A team of Swiss researchers examined 596 people with heart disease. Blood tests revealed significantly reduced levels of paraoxonase activity among current smokers and ex-smokers who had stopped for less than three months. However, the researchers also found that once smokers had given up the habit, their paraoxonase levels began to return to normal.
Cigarette smoke is known to contain molecules known as free radicals.
These damage the tissues of the body, and are thought to stimulate the build up of fatty deposits in the arteries. The new research suggests that smoking has a double whammy effect - it stimulates clogging of the arteries, and sabotages the body's attempts to tackle the problem. Giving up smoking has got to be the best thing you can do for your health. The mechanisms involved do need more research. Carbon monoxide and nicotine are well proven to be damaging to the heart and circulation.