Smoking and coronary artery disease.

This article discusses the specific effects of smoking on the heart and coronary arteries and demonstrates how these effects increase the risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The conflicting results of various studies concerning the association of smoking and coronary heart disease in older persons are reviewed, and possible explanations for the discrepancy are given. Recent trends in smoking habits in the United States and the effects of these changing trends on cardiovascular mortality are presented. Finally, data are presented that demonstrate the effects of physician-directed cessation programs and the health benefits of smoking cessation in elderly and younger persons.