Skip to main content
Top
Published in: European Journal of Epidemiology 10/2012

01-10-2012 | CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Use of snus and acute myocardial infarction: pooled analysis of eight prospective observational studies

Authors: Jenny Hansson, Maria Rosaria Galanti, Maria-Pia Hergens, Peeter Fredlund, Anders Ahlbom, Lars Alfredsson, Rino Bellocco, Marie Eriksson, Johan Hallqvist, Bo Hedblad, Jan-Håkan Jansson, Peter Nilsson, Nancy Pedersen, Ylva Trolle Lagerros, Per-Olof Östergren, Cecilia Magnusson

Published in: European Journal of Epidemiology | Issue 10/2012

Login to get access

Abstract

The use of snus (also referred to as Scandinavian or Swedish moist smokeless tobacco), which is common in Sweden and increasing elsewhere, is receiving increasing attention since considered a tobacco smoke “potential reduction exposure product”. Snus delivers a high dose of nicotine with possible hemodynamic effects, but its impact on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate whether snus use is associated with risk of and survival after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Data from eight prospective cohort studies set in Sweden was pooled and reanalysed. The relative risk of first time AMI and 28-day case-fatality was calculated for 130,361 men who never smoked. During 2,262,333 person-years of follow-up, 3,390 incident events of AMI were identified. Current snus use was not associated with risk of AMI (pooled multivariable hazard ratio 1.04, 95 % confidence interval 0.93 to 1.17). The short-term case fatality rate appeared increased in snus users (odds ratio 1.28, 95 % confidence interval 0.99 to 1.68). This study does not support any association between use of snus and development of AMI. Hence, toxic components other than nicotine appear implicated in the pathophysiology of smoking related ischemic heart disease. Case fatality after AMI is seemingly increased among snus users, but this relationship may be due to confounding by socioeconomic or life style factors.
Literature
1.
go back to reference Lambe M. Swedish snus for tobacco harm reduction. Lancet. 2007;370(9594):1206–7. (1206; author reply).PubMedCrossRef Lambe M. Swedish snus for tobacco harm reduction. Lancet. 2007;370(9594):1206–7. (1206; author reply).PubMedCrossRef
2.
go back to reference Foulds J, Kozlowski L. Snus–what should the public-health response be? Lancet. 2007;369(9578):1976–8.PubMedCrossRef Foulds J, Kozlowski L. Snus–what should the public-health response be? Lancet. 2007;369(9578):1976–8.PubMedCrossRef
3.
go back to reference European Commission. Health effects of smokeless tobacco products: Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR). Brussels. 2007. European Commission. Health effects of smokeless tobacco products: Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR). Brussels. 2007.
4.
go back to reference Holm LE, Fisker J, Larsen BI, Puska P, Halldorsson M. Snus does not save lives: quitting smoking does! Tob control. 2009;18(4):250–1.PubMedCrossRef Holm LE, Fisker J, Larsen BI, Puska P, Halldorsson M. Snus does not save lives: quitting smoking does! Tob control. 2009;18(4):250–1.PubMedCrossRef
5.
go back to reference Stenbeck M, Hagquist C, Rosen M. The association of snus and smoking behaviour: a cohort analysis of Swedish males in the 1990s. Addiction (Abingdon, England). 2009;104(9):1579–85.CrossRef Stenbeck M, Hagquist C, Rosen M. The association of snus and smoking behaviour: a cohort analysis of Swedish males in the 1990s. Addiction (Abingdon, England). 2009;104(9):1579–85.CrossRef
6.
go back to reference Gilljam H, Galanti MR. Role of snus (oral moist snuff) in smoking cessation and smoking reduction in Sweden. Addiction (Abingdon, England). 2003;98(9):1183–9.CrossRef Gilljam H, Galanti MR. Role of snus (oral moist snuff) in smoking cessation and smoking reduction in Sweden. Addiction (Abingdon, England). 2003;98(9):1183–9.CrossRef
7.
go back to reference Boffetta P, Hecht S, Gray N, Gupta P, Straif K. Smokeless tobacco and cancer. Lancet Oncol. 2008;9(7):667–75.PubMedCrossRef Boffetta P, Hecht S, Gray N, Gupta P, Straif K. Smokeless tobacco and cancer. Lancet Oncol. 2008;9(7):667–75.PubMedCrossRef
8.
go back to reference Nordenvall C, Nilsson PJ, Ye W, Nyren O. Smoking, snus use and risk of right- and left-sided colon, rectal and anal cancer: a 37-year follow-up study. Int J Cancer. 2011;128(1):157–65.PubMedCrossRef Nordenvall C, Nilsson PJ, Ye W, Nyren O. Smoking, snus use and risk of right- and left-sided colon, rectal and anal cancer: a 37-year follow-up study. Int J Cancer. 2011;128(1):157–65.PubMedCrossRef
9.
go back to reference England LJ, Levine RJ, Mills JL, Klebanoff MA, Yu KF, Cnattingius S. Adverse pregnancy outcomes in snuff users. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2003;189(4):939–43.PubMedCrossRef England LJ, Levine RJ, Mills JL, Klebanoff MA, Yu KF, Cnattingius S. Adverse pregnancy outcomes in snuff users. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2003;189(4):939–43.PubMedCrossRef
10.
go back to reference Wikstrom AK, Cnattingius S, Galanti MR, Kieler H, Stephansson O. Effect of Swedish snuff (snus) on preterm birth. BJOG. 2010;117(8):1005–10.PubMedCrossRef Wikstrom AK, Cnattingius S, Galanti MR, Kieler H, Stephansson O. Effect of Swedish snuff (snus) on preterm birth. BJOG. 2010;117(8):1005–10.PubMedCrossRef
11.
go back to reference Wikstrom AK, Cnattingius S, Stephansson O. Maternal use of Swedish snuff (snus) and risk of stillbirth. Epidemiology (Cambridge, Mass). 2010;21(6):772–8.CrossRef Wikstrom AK, Cnattingius S, Stephansson O. Maternal use of Swedish snuff (snus) and risk of stillbirth. Epidemiology (Cambridge, Mass). 2010;21(6):772–8.CrossRef
12.
go back to reference Holm H, Jarvis MJ, Russell MA, Feyerabend C. Nicotine intake and dependence in Swedish snuff takers. Psychopharmacology. 1992;108(4):507–11.PubMedCrossRef Holm H, Jarvis MJ, Russell MA, Feyerabend C. Nicotine intake and dependence in Swedish snuff takers. Psychopharmacology. 1992;108(4):507–11.PubMedCrossRef
13.
go back to reference Benowitz NL. The role of nicotine in smoking-related cardiovascular disease. Prev Med. 1997;26(4):412–7.PubMedCrossRef Benowitz NL. The role of nicotine in smoking-related cardiovascular disease. Prev Med. 1997;26(4):412–7.PubMedCrossRef
14.
go back to reference Huhtasaari F, Asplund K, Lundberg V, Stegmayr B, Wester PO. Tobacco and myocardial infarction: is snuff less dangerous than cigarettes? BMJ (Clinical research ed.). 1992;305(6864):1252–6.CrossRef Huhtasaari F, Asplund K, Lundberg V, Stegmayr B, Wester PO. Tobacco and myocardial infarction: is snuff less dangerous than cigarettes? BMJ (Clinical research ed.). 1992;305(6864):1252–6.CrossRef
15.
go back to reference Huhtasaari F, Lundberg V, Eliasson M, Janlert U, Asplund K. Smokeless tobacco as a possible risk factor for myocardial infarction: a population-based study in middle-aged men. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1999;34(6):1784–90.PubMedCrossRef Huhtasaari F, Lundberg V, Eliasson M, Janlert U, Asplund K. Smokeless tobacco as a possible risk factor for myocardial infarction: a population-based study in middle-aged men. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1999;34(6):1784–90.PubMedCrossRef
16.
go back to reference Hergens MP, Ahlbom A, Andersson T, Pershagen G. Swedish moist snuff and myocardial infarction among men. Epidemiology (Cambridge, Mass). 2005;16(1):12–6.CrossRef Hergens MP, Ahlbom A, Andersson T, Pershagen G. Swedish moist snuff and myocardial infarction among men. Epidemiology (Cambridge, Mass). 2005;16(1):12–6.CrossRef
17.
go back to reference Johansson SE, Sundquist K, Qvist J, Sundquist J. Smokeless tobacco and coronary heart disease: a 12-year follow-up study. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil. 2005;12(4):387–92.PubMedCrossRef Johansson SE, Sundquist K, Qvist J, Sundquist J. Smokeless tobacco and coronary heart disease: a 12-year follow-up study. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil. 2005;12(4):387–92.PubMedCrossRef
18.
go back to reference Hergens MP, Alfredsson L, Bolinder G, Lambe M, Pershagen G, Ye W. Long-term use of Swedish moist snuff and the risk of myocardial infarction amongst men. J Intern Med. 2007;262(3):351–9.PubMedCrossRef Hergens MP, Alfredsson L, Bolinder G, Lambe M, Pershagen G, Ye W. Long-term use of Swedish moist snuff and the risk of myocardial infarction amongst men. J Intern Med. 2007;262(3):351–9.PubMedCrossRef
19.
go back to reference Wennberg P, Eliasson M, Hallmans G, Johansson L, Boman K, Jansson JH. The risk of myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death amongst snuff users with or without a previous history of smoking. J Intern Med. 2007;262(3):360–7.PubMedCrossRef Wennberg P, Eliasson M, Hallmans G, Johansson L, Boman K, Jansson JH. The risk of myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death amongst snuff users with or without a previous history of smoking. J Intern Med. 2007;262(3):360–7.PubMedCrossRef
20.
go back to reference Haglund B, Eliasson M, Stenbeck M, Rosen M. Is moist snuff use associated with excess risk of IHD or stroke? A longitudinal follow-up of snuff users in Sweden. Scand J public Health. 2007;35(6):618–22.PubMedCrossRef Haglund B, Eliasson M, Stenbeck M, Rosen M. Is moist snuff use associated with excess risk of IHD or stroke? A longitudinal follow-up of snuff users in Sweden. Scand J public Health. 2007;35(6):618–22.PubMedCrossRef
21.
go back to reference Hansson J, Pedersen NL, Galanti MR, Andersson T, Ahlbom A, Hallqvist J, Magnusson C. Use of snus and risk for cardiovascular disease: results from the Swedish Twin Registry. J Intern Med. 2009;265(6):717–24.PubMedCrossRef Hansson J, Pedersen NL, Galanti MR, Andersson T, Ahlbom A, Hallqvist J, Magnusson C. Use of snus and risk for cardiovascular disease: results from the Swedish Twin Registry. J Intern Med. 2009;265(6):717–24.PubMedCrossRef
22.
go back to reference Janzon E, Hedblad B. Swedish snuff and incidence of cardiovascular disease. A population-based cohort study. BMC Cardiovasc Disord. 2009;9:21.PubMedCrossRef Janzon E, Hedblad B. Swedish snuff and incidence of cardiovascular disease. A population-based cohort study. BMC Cardiovasc Disord. 2009;9:21.PubMedCrossRef
23.
go back to reference Bolinder G, Alfredsson L, Englund A, de Faire U. Smokeless tobacco use and increased cardiovascular mortality among Swedish construction workers. Am J Public Health. 1994;84(3):399–404.PubMedCrossRef Bolinder G, Alfredsson L, Englund A, de Faire U. Smokeless tobacco use and increased cardiovascular mortality among Swedish construction workers. Am J Public Health. 1994;84(3):399–404.PubMedCrossRef
24.
go back to reference Carlsson F, Merlo J, Lindstrom M, Ostergren PO, Lithman T. Representativity of a postal public health questionnaire survey in Sweden, with special reference to ethnic differences in participation. Scand J public health. 2006;34(2):132–9.PubMedCrossRef Carlsson F, Merlo J, Lindstrom M, Ostergren PO, Lithman T. Representativity of a postal public health questionnaire survey in Sweden, with special reference to ethnic differences in participation. Scand J public health. 2006;34(2):132–9.PubMedCrossRef
25.
go back to reference Eriksson M, Holmgren L, Janlert U, Jansson JH, Lundblad D, Stegmayr B, Soderberg S, Eliasson M. Large improvements in major cardiovascular risk factors in the population of northern Sweden: the MONICA study 1986–2009. J Intern Med. 2011;269(2):219–31.PubMedCrossRef Eriksson M, Holmgren L, Janlert U, Jansson JH, Lundblad D, Stegmayr B, Soderberg S, Eliasson M. Large improvements in major cardiovascular risk factors in the population of northern Sweden: the MONICA study 1986–2009. J Intern Med. 2011;269(2):219–31.PubMedCrossRef
26.
go back to reference Manjer J, Carlsson S, Elmstahl S, Gullberg B, Janzon L, Lindstrom M, Mattisson I, Berglund G. The Malmo diet and cancer study: representativity, cancer incidence and mortality in participants and non-participants. Eur J Cancer Prev. 2001;10(6):489–99.PubMedCrossRef Manjer J, Carlsson S, Elmstahl S, Gullberg B, Janzon L, Lindstrom M, Mattisson I, Berglund G. The Malmo diet and cancer study: representativity, cancer incidence and mortality in participants and non-participants. Eur J Cancer Prev. 2001;10(6):489–99.PubMedCrossRef
27.
go back to reference Alfredsson L, Hammar N, Fransson E, de Faire U, Hallqvist J, Knutsson A, Nilsson T, Theorell T, Westerholm P. Job strain and major risk factors for coronary heart disease among employed males and females in a Swedish study on work, lipids and fibrinogen. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2002;28(4):238–48.PubMedCrossRef Alfredsson L, Hammar N, Fransson E, de Faire U, Hallqvist J, Knutsson A, Nilsson T, Theorell T, Westerholm P. Job strain and major risk factors for coronary heart disease among employed males and females in a Swedish study on work, lipids and fibrinogen. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2002;28(4):238–48.PubMedCrossRef
28.
go back to reference Bellocco R, Jia C, Ye W, Lagerros YT. Effects of physical activity, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio and waist circumference on total mortality risk in the Swedish National March Cohort. Eur J Epidemiol. 2010;25(11):777–88.PubMedCrossRef Bellocco R, Jia C, Ye W, Lagerros YT. Effects of physical activity, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio and waist circumference on total mortality risk in the Swedish National March Cohort. Eur J Epidemiol. 2010;25(11):777–88.PubMedCrossRef
29.
go back to reference Lichtenstein P, Sullivan PF, Cnattingius S, Gatz M, Johansson S, Carlstrom E, Bjork C, Svartengren M, Wolk A, Klareskog L, et al. The Swedish Twin Registry in the third millennium: an update. Twin Res Hum Genet. 2006;9(6):875–82.PubMedCrossRef Lichtenstein P, Sullivan PF, Cnattingius S, Gatz M, Johansson S, Carlstrom E, Bjork C, Svartengren M, Wolk A, Klareskog L, et al. The Swedish Twin Registry in the third millennium: an update. Twin Res Hum Genet. 2006;9(6):875–82.PubMedCrossRef
30.
go back to reference Hansson J, Galanti MR, Magnusson C, Hergens MP. Weight gain and incident obesity among male snus users. BMC Public Health. 2011;11:371.PubMedCrossRef Hansson J, Galanti MR, Magnusson C, Hergens MP. Weight gain and incident obesity among male snus users. BMC Public Health. 2011;11:371.PubMedCrossRef
31.
go back to reference Norberg M, Wall S, Boman K, Weinehall L. The vasterbotten intervention programme: background, design and implications. Glob Health Action. 2010; 3:4643. doi:10.3402/gha.v3i0.4643. Norberg M, Wall S, Boman K, Weinehall L. The vasterbotten intervention programme: background, design and implications. Glob Health Action. 2010; 3:4643. doi:10.​3402/​gha.​v3i0.​4643.
32.
go back to reference Eliasson M, Asplund K, Evrin PE, Lundblad D. Relationship of cigarette smoking and snuff dipping to plasma fibrinogen, fibrinolytic variables and serum insulin. The Northern Sweden MONICA Study. Atherosclerosis. 1995;113(1):41–53.PubMedCrossRef Eliasson M, Asplund K, Evrin PE, Lundblad D. Relationship of cigarette smoking and snuff dipping to plasma fibrinogen, fibrinolytic variables and serum insulin. The Northern Sweden MONICA Study. Atherosclerosis. 1995;113(1):41–53.PubMedCrossRef
33.
go back to reference Lundqvist G, Sandstrom H, Ohman A, Weinehall L. Patterns of tobacco use: a 10-year follow-up study of smoking and snus habits in a middle-aged Swedish population. Scand J Public Health. 2009;37(2):161–7.PubMedCrossRef Lundqvist G, Sandstrom H, Ohman A, Weinehall L. Patterns of tobacco use: a 10-year follow-up study of smoking and snus habits in a middle-aged Swedish population. Scand J Public Health. 2009;37(2):161–7.PubMedCrossRef
34.
go back to reference Rodu B, Stegmayr B, Nasic S, Cole P, Asplund K. Evolving patterns of tobacco use in northern Sweden. J Intern Med. 2003;253(6):660–5.PubMedCrossRef Rodu B, Stegmayr B, Nasic S, Cole P, Asplund K. Evolving patterns of tobacco use in northern Sweden. J Intern Med. 2003;253(6):660–5.PubMedCrossRef
35.
go back to reference Furberg H, Lichtenstein P, Pedersen NL, Bulik C, Sullivan PF. Cigarettes and oral snuff use in Sweden: prevalence and transitions. Addiction (Abingdon, England). 2006;101(10):1509–15.CrossRef Furberg H, Lichtenstein P, Pedersen NL, Bulik C, Sullivan PF. Cigarettes and oral snuff use in Sweden: prevalence and transitions. Addiction (Abingdon, England). 2006;101(10):1509–15.CrossRef
36.
go back to reference Hammar N, Alfredsson L, Rosen M, Spetz CL, Kahan T, Ysberg AS. A national record linkage to study acute myocardial infarction incidence and case fatality in Sweden. Int J Epidemiol. 2001;30(Suppl 1):S30–4.PubMedCrossRef Hammar N, Alfredsson L, Rosen M, Spetz CL, Kahan T, Ysberg AS. A national record linkage to study acute myocardial infarction incidence and case fatality in Sweden. Int J Epidemiol. 2001;30(Suppl 1):S30–4.PubMedCrossRef
37.
go back to reference Lee PN. Circulatory disease and smokeless tobacco in Western populations: a review of the evidence. Int J Epidemiol. 2007;36(4):789–804.PubMedCrossRef Lee PN. Circulatory disease and smokeless tobacco in Western populations: a review of the evidence. Int J Epidemiol. 2007;36(4):789–804.PubMedCrossRef
38.
go back to reference Boffetta P, Straif K. Use of smokeless tobacco and risk of myocardial infarction and stroke: systematic review with meta-analysis. BMJ (Clinical research ed.). 2009;339:b3060. Boffetta P, Straif K. Use of smokeless tobacco and risk of myocardial infarction and stroke: systematic review with meta-analysis. BMJ (Clinical research ed.). 2009;339:b3060.
39.
go back to reference Galobardes B, Lynch J, Smith GD. Measuring socioeconomic position in health research. Br Med Bull. 2007;81–82:21–37.PubMedCrossRef Galobardes B, Lynch J, Smith GD. Measuring socioeconomic position in health research. Br Med Bull. 2007;81–82:21–37.PubMedCrossRef
40.
go back to reference Peltonen M, Rosen M, Lundberg V, Asplund K. Social patterning of myocardial infarction and stroke in Sweden: incidence and survival. Am J Epidemiol. 2000;151(3):283–92.PubMedCrossRef Peltonen M, Rosen M, Lundberg V, Asplund K. Social patterning of myocardial infarction and stroke in Sweden: incidence and survival. Am J Epidemiol. 2000;151(3):283–92.PubMedCrossRef
41.
go back to reference Engström K, Magnusson C, Galanti MR. Socio-demographic, lifestyle and health characteristics among snus users and dual tobacco users in Stockholm County Sweden. BMC Public Health. 2010;10:619.PubMedCrossRef Engström K, Magnusson C, Galanti MR. Socio-demographic, lifestyle and health characteristics among snus users and dual tobacco users in Stockholm County Sweden. BMC Public Health. 2010;10:619.PubMedCrossRef
42.
go back to reference Corrao G, Rubbiati L, Bagnardi V, Zambon A, Poikolainen K. Alcohol and coronary heart disease: a meta-analysis. Addiction (Abingdon, England). 2000;95(10):1505–23.CrossRef Corrao G, Rubbiati L, Bagnardi V, Zambon A, Poikolainen K. Alcohol and coronary heart disease: a meta-analysis. Addiction (Abingdon, England). 2000;95(10):1505–23.CrossRef
43.
go back to reference Yashima M, Ohara T, Cao JM, Kim YH, Fishbein MC, Mandel WJ, Chen PS, Karagueuzian HS. Nicotine increases ventricular vulnerability to fibrillation in hearts with healed myocardial infarction. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2000;278(6):H2124–33.PubMed Yashima M, Ohara T, Cao JM, Kim YH, Fishbein MC, Mandel WJ, Chen PS, Karagueuzian HS. Nicotine increases ventricular vulnerability to fibrillation in hearts with healed myocardial infarction. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2000;278(6):H2124–33.PubMed
44.
go back to reference Ohara T, Yashima M, Hamzei A, Favelyukis M, Park A, Kim YH, Mandel WJ, Chen PS, Karagueuzian HS. Nicotine Increases Spatiotemporal Complexity of Ventricular Fibrillation Wavefront on the Epicardial Border Zone of Healed Canine Infarcts. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther. 1999;4(2):121–7.PubMedCrossRef Ohara T, Yashima M, Hamzei A, Favelyukis M, Park A, Kim YH, Mandel WJ, Chen PS, Karagueuzian HS. Nicotine Increases Spatiotemporal Complexity of Ventricular Fibrillation Wavefront on the Epicardial Border Zone of Healed Canine Infarcts. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther. 1999;4(2):121–7.PubMedCrossRef
45.
go back to reference Mehta MC, Jain AC, Mehta A, Billie M. Cardiac Arrhythmias Following Intravenous Nicotine: experimental Study in Dogs. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther. 1997;2(4):291–8.PubMedCrossRef Mehta MC, Jain AC, Mehta A, Billie M. Cardiac Arrhythmias Following Intravenous Nicotine: experimental Study in Dogs. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther. 1997;2(4):291–8.PubMedCrossRef
46.
go back to reference Martin JS, Beck DT, Gurovich AN, Braith RW. The acute effects of smokeless tobacco on central aortic blood pressure and wave reflection characteristics. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2010;235(10):1263–8.CrossRef Martin JS, Beck DT, Gurovich AN, Braith RW. The acute effects of smokeless tobacco on central aortic blood pressure and wave reflection characteristics. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2010;235(10):1263–8.CrossRef
Metadata
Title
Use of snus and acute myocardial infarction: pooled analysis of eight prospective observational studies
Authors
Jenny Hansson
Maria Rosaria Galanti
Maria-Pia Hergens
Peeter Fredlund
Anders Ahlbom
Lars Alfredsson
Rino Bellocco
Marie Eriksson
Johan Hallqvist
Bo Hedblad
Jan-Håkan Jansson
Peter Nilsson
Nancy Pedersen
Ylva Trolle Lagerros
Per-Olof Östergren
Cecilia Magnusson
Publication date
01-10-2012
Publisher
Springer Netherlands
Published in
European Journal of Epidemiology / Issue 10/2012
Print ISSN: 0393-2990
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7284
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10654-012-9704-8

Other articles of this Issue 10/2012

European Journal of Epidemiology 10/2012 Go to the issue