Multiple Regression

Consider the relationship between the total number of smokers and yearly deaths from heart disease (deaths per 100,000 people) in 19 developed countries. Suppose that you read a newspaper article in which the reporter states the following:

'Researchers find that the correlation between the total numbers of smokers and yearly deaths from heart disease is -0.84. Thus, it is reasonable to conclude that increased total number of smokers causes fewer deaths from heart disease in industrialized societies.'

Discuss the reporter's interpretation of the correlation measure in this case.