Tobacco Documents Online

I THE GOVERNOR'S CITIZENS PANEL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH THE METROPOLITAN DETROIT COALITION FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL PUBLIC HEARING COMMENT ON SMOKING AND HEALTH OCTOBER 8, 1980 The Metropolitan Detroit Coalition for High Blood Pressure Control is an organization of health care, community, education, business, and labor groups which takes action to reduce mortality and morbidity from cardiovascular disease through blood pressure control. Cardiovascular disease is the prominent cause of death in Michigan as well as the nation. Since we are dedicated to reduce the consequences of cardiovascular dis- ease, the Coalition is very concerned about all cardiovascular risk factors which lead to death and disability. Smoking, like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and Type A personality has been identified as a risk factor. There is substantial evidence that smoking increases heart rate, produces vasoconstriction, destroys cilliary tissue of the lung, and reduces oxygen concentrations in the blood as well as placing carbon monoxide into the circulatory system. It is important to work toward control or elimination of risk factors in order to reduce the consequences of cardiovascular disease (e.g. stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure). The Metropolitan Detroit Coalition-for High Blood Pressure Control will support action by the Governor's Citizens Panel on Smoking and Health that seeks to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease as it relates to smoking. The Coalition thanks the Governor's Citizens Panel on Health and Smoking and the Michigan Department of Public Health for the,opportunity to bring forth our position on smoking control and good health. . I I I I r t 4 I -186-