(August 21, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Use of smokeless tobacco among those who have never smoked is associated with an increased risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke, according to research published in the British Medical Journal.

Here are some examples of smokeless tobacco products:

•    Snuff is a ground-up moist tobacco product that is usually placed between the bottom lip and gum

•    Chew is made up of shredded tobacco leaves that are usually placed between the cheek and gum

•    Plug is also made of up shredded tobacco leaves but is pressed into a hard block and placed between the cheek and gum

Researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer analyzed data collected from 11 studies from the U.S. and Sweden on the relationship between using smokeless tobacco and the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Smokeless tobacco products caused an estimated 0.5% of all heart attacks in the U.S. and 5.6% in Sweden. The products were also associated with 1.7% of deaths from stroke in the U.S. and 5.4% of those in Sweden.

Today's research suggests that smokeless tobacco products may be worse for your health than expected, causing a small but notable increased risk of death from heart attack or stroke.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.