Picture a party, laughter in the air, and a shared cigarette on the balcony. For many, this is nothing more than a harmless social ritual.
But according to new Norwegian research, even occasional smoking carries serious risks.
The study reveals that women who smoke only now and then face almost double the risk of heart attacks compared to those who never smoke.
It’s a wake-up call for anyone who believes “just a little” won’t hurt.
Women face greater danger
The study followed over 15,600 people for two decades. And while male occasional smokers showed only a slight increase in risk, the danger for women was far more dramatic.
For them, the risk of a first heart attack nearly doubled.
Professor and heart specialist Maja-Lisa Løchen was taken aback by the findings.
Although she’s spent years researching the effects of tobacco on the heart, this significant gender gap was unexpected.
Researchers believe that biological differences may make women more vulnerable to the toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke.
Their bodies might absorb more of these harmful substances, leading to greater damage.
The surprising profile of occasional smokers
One unexpected detail from the study: occasional smokers often have higher education levels.
They don’t see themselves as “real” smokers and tend to feel in control.
But that social cigarette at a party can quickly turn into five, especially when alcohol is involved.
The researchers point out that even for occasional smokers, quitting completely can drastically reduce the risk of heart problems.
In fact, within a year of stopping, former smokers can reach the same risk level as those who never smoked at all.
This article is based on information from Vg.no.