The rate of heart attacks in Ireland has fallen by more than 10% since the introduction of the workplace smoking ban 10 years ago.

The then-controversial ban was introduced on March 24, 2004, with many people wondering if it could be policed properly. Ireland was the first country in Europe to introduce such a ban and it led to the end of smoke-filled pubs, nightclubs and restaurants, as well as all other workplaces.

It was introduced in order to protect workers and members of the public from the effects of smoking.

According to the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF), Irish research has shown that in the year immediately following the ban, there was a 12% reduction in heart attack admissions to hospital. While this figure remained unchanged the year after, two years later, admissions fell by a further 13% - this showed the effect of the ban over time.

This research, which was published in the journal, Clinical Cardiology, is backed up by studies in other countries that have since introduced similar bans, including Scotland, the US and Canada.

Commenting on the ‘rapid reduction in heart attacks', IHF medical director, Dr Angie Brown, insisted that people should not be surprised by these findings.

"It makes sense when we consider the immediate effect tobacco smoke has on the body. The poisons in smoke pose a danger right away. Sudden blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes can be triggered by tobacco smoke. This means that just sitting in a smoke-filled bar would raise a person's chances of a heart attack.

"The reduction in heart attack admissions here shown that Ireland's courageous move as the first country to have a comprehensive smoking ban led to a vast improvement in the nation's heart health," she said.

The IHF emphasised that there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke. Second-hand (passive) smoking is responsible for 600,000 deaths alone each year.

"Tobacco smoke hurts anyone who is around it. Almost immediately, the blood vessels react to the poisons in the smoke. Your heart rate and blood pressure go up. Your blood vessels thicken and grow narrower. This can trigger chest pain, weakness, heart attack or stroke," Dr Brown said.

The IHF is appealing to smokers to try to quit the habit. It insisted that it is never too late to quit and health benefits will begin straight away.

"Within just 30 minutes of quitting, blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal. Within 24 hours, lungs are empty of carbon monoxide. After a year, the risk of a heart attack reduces to half of a smoker. After 15 years, the risk of a heart attack is that of someone who has never smoked," it said.

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