The health damage wrought by smoking has been highlighted by a recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to the CDC, a smoking ban in the city of Pueblo, Colorado led to a drop in the number of hospitalizations for heart attacks.

During the three years following the ban, these hospitalizations fell by 41 percent, while the corresponding figures from neighboring communities did not change significantly.

Scientists have proposed that the smoking damages heart health by affecting the lining of blood vessels and raising the risk of blood clots that lead to heart attacks.

Commenting on the findings, Dr. Michael Thun of the American Cancer Society told the Associated Press the results were “very dramatic.”

“This is now the ninth study [to examine the link between smoking and heart health], so it is clear that smoke-free laws are one of the most effective and cost-effective [ways] to reduce heart attacks,” he said.

Those who would like to further strengthen the health of their arteries and heart may be interested in trying oral chelation.