Smoke-Free Laws May Prevent Heart Attacks - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

Smoke-Free Laws May Prevent Heart Attacks

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KHQ.COM - Heart attacks dropped by one-third in one county in Minnesota after two smoke-free workplace ordinances went into place, a new study shows.

The lead researcher on the work said that decline was likely due to less secondhand smoke exposure in restaurants and bars, as smoke can trigger heart problems due to its effects on arteries and blood clotting.

But another tobacco expert questioned whether the drop in heart attacks could be clearly attributed to the two ordinances, which banned smoking in restaurants starting in 2002 and then in all workplaces, including bars, in 2007. click here to read more