New study shows that smoking affects more than just cardiovascular health

Mar 22, 2013 15:46 GMT  ·  By

A new report issued by specialists working with the University of Pennsylvania says that, cardiovascular health aside, smoking also takes its toll on the body's ability to heal bone fractures.

More precisely, it is being said that smokers are more bound to sit around and wait for their bones to fully repair themselves for roughly six weeks longer than non-smokers.

As well as this, they are more likely to suffer complications and infections should the fracture require surgical intervention, sources say.

“The effects of smoking intervention programs need to be discussed and instituted to promote better outcomes for post-fracture patients.”

“We have an opportunity to help patients understand that it's about more than just heart health, and that smoking puts you at a higher risk of complications and leads to longer healing times,” stated Samir Mehta, MD.

These conclusions concerning the ways in which smoking affects both bone and soft tissue repair were reached after looking into the medical records of 6,840 patients.