A new study released in the Canadian Medical Association Journal indicates that Chantix, Pfizer's popular drug used to eliminate cigarette use, increases the risk of heart attack or other serious heart conditions by 72 percent in normally healthy, middle-aged smokers. 

Johns Hopkins researchers evaluated 14 clinical trials and took data from 8,200 healthy individuals taking Chantix or a placebo in attempts to quit smoking.  After compiling all of the data the researchers discovered the staggering numbers: otherwise healthy smokers taking Chantix were 72 percent more likely to experience a cardiac event than their counterparts taking the placebo.  Lead researcher Dr. Sonal Singh estimates that approximately 62,000 serious cardiac events have occurred in the United States as a result of the drug.

When interviewed, a doctor who had success herself in quitting smoking after using this drug, noted she has stopped recommending Chantix for all of her cardiac patients, and questions whether she would have used the drug herself if warnings were properly disclosed.

Attorneys have previously filed numerous lawsuits against Chantix on behalf of individuals who have reported serious injuries due to other side effects of the drug.  Now, California defective drug attorneys are evaluating the possibility of filing Chantix lawsuits related to serious heart conditions.