AIM: It was documented that smoking was a significant atherosclerotic risk factor for adults. However reality of the initiation of atherosclerosis at childhood guided us to evaluate the probable effects of smoking on other atherosclerotic risk factors at young ages. METHODS: One hundred sixty four young subjects (age 21.14± 2.06) were enrolled. Participants were grouped as not smoking (n=48), ex-smoking (n=30), 1-3 cigarettes/day (n=26), a half package/day (n=26), a package/day (n=34). Body mass index (BMI) of subjects were calculated. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP, DBP) were measured. Carotid intima media thickness (IMT) was measured by Logic5 pro Colour Doppler Device. Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels of subjects were measured from the serum obtained at 12 hour fasting state. IMT and IVSd were measured by transverse and 3S probes using. Statistical analysis was performed by One-way ANOVA test using SPSS 11.0 for Windows. RESULTS: BMI, SBP, and DBP were not different between groups (p=0.16). HDL cholesterol was significantly lowered whereas LDL cholesterol was significantly increased in group smoking one package/day. Also carotid IMT was increased in patients smoking one package/day compared to others but data was not statistically significant. Triglyceride level group. CONCLUSION: Smoking effects atherosclerotic risk factors unfavorably even at young ages. Thus smoking should be eradicated since earlier ages in order to reduce the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. [TAF Prev Med Bull 2009; 8(3.000): 193-198]
