Haemoglobin, smoking and peripheral vascular disease.

One hundred and four patients with peripheral vascular disease requiring operation were reviewed retrospectively with respect to age, sex, preoperative haemoglobin, smoking habits and diabetic status. The preoperative haemoglobin levels and smoking status in 63 non-diabetic male patients with peripheral vascular disease were compared with a matched group of individuals treated for inguinal hernia. For all patients there was a significant correlation between smoking habits, preoperative haemoglobin level and the presence of peripheral vascular disease. The mechanisms by which smoking may damage the vascular tree are reviewed.