Recent study revealed that combination of metabolic syndrome and high rates of tobacco smoking alleviate the risk of heart disease and stroke among older individuals in China. Metabolic syndrome is a combined term for diabetes and heart disease -- including abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, low levels of "good" HDL cholesterol and high triglycerides (another type of blood fat).

Researchers studied the individual and combined effects of active smoking, secondhand smoke, and metabolic syndrome on the risks of heart disease and stroke on elderly Chinese in Beijing.

Data analysis showed that the combined effect of smoking and metabolic syndrome on heart disease and stroke was stronger in women as compared to men. Smoking rates were found higher in men whereas more women reported secondhand exposure to tobacco smoke.

Researchers said that metabolic syndrome was associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke and the risk was higher among former and current smokers than among people who had never smoked.

Dr. Yao He from Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing said: "It is likely that the growing double epidemics of smoking and metabolic syndrome in China will greatly and rapidly increase the burden of cardiovascular disease from traditional risk factors. Urgent public health measures and clinical practices should be used to prevent the health hazard from the double epidemics."