Coronary heart disease deaths and decreased smoking prevalence in Massachusetts, 1993-2003.

We used the previously validated IMPACT coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality model to estimate the CHD deaths attributable to reductions in smoking prevalence following the introduction of the Massachusetts Tobacco Control Program (MTCP) in 1993. A 29% and 31% decline in smoking prevalence and CHD mortality rates occurred, respectively (from 1993 to 2003). A total of 425 fewer CHD deaths, which generated approximately 3365 extra life-years, were attributable to decreased smoking prevalence. With these results in mind, a comprehensive tobacco control program should be sustained and supported.