Many studies have come out warning parents about the effects of secondhand smoke on a child's respiratory system, but a recent study casts light on another issue – the repercussions of secondhand smoke on a toddler's cardiovascular system.

Dr. Judith Groner, a pediatrician and ambulatory care physician at Nationwide Children's Hospital and Research Institute in Columbus, Ohio, is the lead author of a new study concerning the health affects of secondhand cigarette smoke on the cardiovascular system of children.

Research shows that toddler- and preschool-aged children absorb six times more nicotine than children ages 9 to 14 from the same levels of secondhand smoke exposure. A recent press release on the study states that this exposure results in a dramatic increase of markers of inflammation and vascular injury signaling damage to the endothelium, the inner lining of the vessel walls. The vascular endothelium plays an important role in promoting cardiovascular health by maintaining the tone and circulation of the arteries.

Though more studies are needed on the long-term effects this might have on cardiovascular health, it adds one more risk to a growing number of health issues secondhand smoke has on young children and toddlers.

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