Acute Coronary Events Drop After Italy's Public Smoking Ban

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The ban also appeared to have changed people's smoking habits. According to the report, the frequency of smoking decreased from 34.9 percent to 30.5 percent in men and from 20.6 percent to 20.4 percent in women. Cigarette sales also decreased 5.5 percent.

However, the smoking ban did not appear to reduce coronary events in those aged 75 to 84.

"The older age group spends more time at home than in the workplace or public businesses," Cesaroni said. "The smoking ban has a greater effect on those of working age and those who spend a lot of their time in public places."

More information

The National Cancer Institute offers has more about how to quit smoking.