India: 50 Years Ago: Research on Evils of Smoking

Source from:  Deccan Chronicle (in)  04/09/2013

Smoking might lead to an increase in pressure in the blood vessels in the lungs, according to a study of the Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute.

In a review of the progress of the Institute, which celebrated its tenth Foundation Day here yesterday, the director, Dr R. Viswanathan, said that the research carried out in the study of the functions of heart and lungs had yielded valuable information regarding changes in the pulmonary artery pressures in those suffering from diseases like chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

The review said that during the right heart catherterization (finding on pressure inside heart and lungs), the immediate effects of cigarette smoking on pulmonary artery pressure were noted.

"It was found," the review added, "that the systolic pressure was increased markedly two minutes after smoking. It is possible that some cigarette smoking might lead to pulmonary vascular changes pressure in blood vessels in the lungs." Enditem