The Scottish smoking ban has led to a significant advance in public health, the most detailed scientific study of the measure so far has suggested.
Comparisons at nine hospitals revealed that there was a 17% year-on-year drop in heart attack admissions since the ban was introduced in March 2006.
It said the quality of air in pubs is now equivalent to that found outdoors.
Exposure to second-hand smoke north of the border is down by 40% among adults and children, the study added.
The findings will be presented to an international conference in Edinburgh on the ban organised by the Scottish Government.