Genetic Link Between Cigarette Smoking and Cardiovascular Disease

Cigarette smoking is one of the leading causes of coronary heart disease worldwide, contributing to one fifth of the incidence. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 12% of Indians smoke, which in 2009, led to 900,000 smoking related deaths. 30% of men in India smoke, though only 3 to 5% of women are associated with the habit. However, the rising incidence of cardiovascular disease necessitates a better understanding of the connection between smoking and cardiovascular disease.