A recent American study revealed that even occasional limited smoking can cause serious heart health problems. Researchers from several American research institutions, including the Johns Hopkins Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease, reported that smoking two to five cigarettes a day increases the risk of heart attacks and death. The researchers analyzed the results of 22 research papers that followed the health status of more than 300,000 adults over 20 years. The study's findings, published in the scientific journal 'PLOS Medicine', showed that people who smoke two to five cigarettes a day have a 50% higher risk of developing heart disease and a 60% higher risk of death compared to non-smokers. The study indicated that the risk level decreases significantly after 10 years of quitting smoking, although the harmful effects of smoking on health persist for up to 30 years after quitting. Researchers involved in the study stated, 'It is notable that smoking carries significant risks to the cardiovascular system, even with limited doses.' They added in comments to the medical website 'Health Day': 'The results of this study highlight the importance of smoking cessation and quitting programs.'
