Relationship between nicotine dependence and complexity of coronary artery disease

Abstract

Purpose: Smoking cessation is essential to prevent coronary artery disease and its poor outcomes however, it is difficult to quit for some smokers due to higher degree of nicotine dependence. Although smoking has been well demonstrated to be associated with coronary artery disease, its association with nicotine dependence is unknown. Recent studies show that the Syntax score is a new tool for the risk stratification of patients with complex coronary artery disease. In this retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate whether Fagerstrm test score for nicotine dependence was associated with the complexity of coronary artery disease as evaluated by Syntax score.

Material and Methods: The study population consisted of smoking status patients with currently smoking who underwent coronary angiography. Patients were divided into four groups according to Syntax score tertiles: as control group (Syntax score 0; n = 25) low risk group 1(Syntax score 1-22; n = 25), intermediate risk group 2 (Syntax score 23-32; n = 25) and high risk group 3 (Syntax score > 32; n = 25). Fagerstrm test was conducted for nicotine dependence at outpatient visits and phone callings by one physician.

Results: The Fagerstrom test score was prominently related with Syntax score and was a significant predictor of Syntax score after adjustment for other risk factors.

Conclusion: The Fagerstrm test score was significantly associated with the complexity of with coronary artery disease evaluated by Syntax score. Further prospective studies are needed to verify this finding.