Yes, smoking is associated with an increased risk of bleeding.
Research indicates a significantly higher likelihood of various types of bleeding events in smokers compared to non-smokers. For example, one study found that current smokers had a multivariable adjusted hazard ratio of 1.49 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38-1.61) for any major bleeding compared to never smokers. This suggests smokers are nearly 50% more likely to experience major bleeding.
Here's a breakdown of the increased risk for specific types of bleeding:
- Intracranial Bleeding: Smokers are at a higher risk (Hazard Ratio: 1.71, CI: 1.37-2.13) of bleeding in the brain.
- Airway Bleeding: The risk of bleeding in the airway is also elevated (Hazard Ratio: 1.35, CI: 1.14-1.60) in smokers.
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Smokers face more than double the risk (Hazard Ratio: 2.20, CI: 1.84-2.62) of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
- General Bleeding: There is a greater risk (Hazard Ratio: 1.39, CI: 1.26-1.55) of general bleeding events.
Smoking damages blood vessels and interferes with the body's natural clotting processes, likely contributing to this increased risk of bleeding. The chemicals in cigarette smoke can weaken blood vessel walls and impair the function of platelets, which are essential for blood clotting.
Therefore, smoking increases the risk of various bleeding events, including intracranial, airway, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Quitting smoking is crucial for overall health and reducing the risk of bleeding complications.
