GSK: Nicotine patches safe for patients with CAD

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has presented the results of a study at the annual scientific session of the American College of Cardiology indicating that nicotine patches could be safe for use in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

The company reports that the cardiovascular risks related to smoking emanate from burned tobacco smoke, rather than nicotine present in nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).

It adds that quitting smoking can lower the risk of cardiac events and mortality in smokers with CAD by up to 50 per cent in the first year, while noting that 40 per cent of smokers continue to smoke following a coronary event.

Craig Pratt, cardiologist and lead study investigator said: “Smokers with CAD and ischemia can achieve significant health benefits from quitting.”

He added that the results of this study should reassure both doctors and smokers that NRT is a safe option for patients suffering with CAD.

The company claims that “widespread myths” regarding NRT present a challenge to public health, as misconceptions regarding the therapy can lead to smokers disregarding smoking cessation aids and reducing their chances of quitting.

Betty McBride, director of policy and communications at the British Heart Foundation hailed the decision by Gordon Brown to lower VAT on NRT products in the recent budget as “brilliant news” that would aid those intending to quit smoking.