Effect of Habitual Smoking on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters in Adult Cigarette Smokers
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Abstract
Background: Cigarette smoking is a major preventable risk factor for cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and systemic disease, but its combined effects on hematological, biochemical, electrolyte, and hormonal parameters remain insufficiently characterized in Pakistani adults. Objective: To assess differences in hematological indices, lipid profile, serum electrolytes, cortisol, body mass index, and blood pressure between habitual adult cigarette smokers and non-smokers. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study included 100 apparently healthy adults aged 18–60 years from Islamabad and Rawalpindi, Pakistan, comprising 50 habitual smokers and 50 non-smokers. Habitual smoking was defined as smoking at least 10 cigarettes per day for one year or longer. Venous blood samples were analyzed for complete blood count, serum electrolytes, lipid profile, and cortisol. Between-group comparisons were performed using independent samples t-tests, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Results: Smokers had significantly higher RBC count (5.34±0.62 vs. 4.92±0.49 million/µL), hemoglobin (15.54±1.10 vs. 14.84±0.57 g/dL), potassium (4.60±0.37 vs. 4.20±0.42 mmol/L), total cholesterol (181±49 vs. 160±34 mg/dL), and triglycerides (165±79.4 vs. 131±54 mg/dL), while HDL-C was lower (33.2±7.3 vs. 40.6±7.7 mg/dL). WBC count, platelet count, sodium, chloride, BMI, blood pressure, and cortisol were not significantly different. Conclusion: Habitual smoking was associated with selective erythrocytic, electrolyte, and atherogenic lipid alterations, supporting routine risk monitoring and smoking cessation interventions.
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