Tobacco use and urinary excretion of thromboxane A2 and prostacyclin metabolites in women stratified by age.

Abstract

The elevated Tx-M in women who smoke cigarettes indicates an increased platelet activity that is dependent on smoking intensity. In parallel, PGI-M is augmented, suggesting that platelet/vessel wall interaction is stimulated. Quitting smoking is an effective means to restore platelet function. We propose that the observed increase in platelet activity in women who smoke cigarettes may be related to subsequent development of cardiovascular disease and that quitting smoking should be considered a high-priority medical target also in this sex.