The Association of Hypertension Diagnosis and Smoking Cessation

Hypertension and smoking are two major issues threatening the nation's health. Previous studies examining their relationship have resulted in conflicting reports that leaves readers with the question: Does hypertension diagnosis induce one to quit smoking or does smoking cessation lead to behaviors that increase the risk of hypertension diagnosis? The aim of this work is to closely examine this relationship. Data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) were used in this investigation. Physical examination measurements of blood pressure and self-reported diagnosis and smoking behavior were used to define hypertension and smoking status. The risk of prior hypertension diagnosis associated with smoking cessation was estimated from a multivariate logistic regression model, adjusting for gender, age, ethnicity, BMI, physical activity, HDL cholesterol, and alcohol use. After adjusting for these confounders, are ex-smokers significantly more likely to have a prior hypertension diagnosis? Researchers in the fields of Public Health and Biostatistics will find the results astounding.