Smoking
Smoking is one of the major causes of
cardiovascular disease, and smokers are almost twice as likely to
have a heart attack as people who have never smoked.
It can increase your risk of developing several different
types of cancer and it's the main cause of some lung diseases.
How does smoking damage your heart?
Smoking harms your heart in a number of different ways:
- Smoking damages the lining of your arteries, leading to a
build up of fatty material (atheroma) and a
reduced space for blood to pass through.
- The carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke reduces the
amount of oxygen that the blood can carry to your heart
and body.
- The nicotine in cigarettes stimulates your body to produce
adrenaline, which makes your heart beat faster and
raises blood
pressure, and results in your heart having to
work harder.
- Your blood is more likely to clot.
All of these things increase the risk of developing coronary heart disease and having a
heart attack or a stroke.
Is second-hand smoke harmful?
When non-smokers breathe in second-hand smoke - also
known as passive smoking - it can be
harmful. Research shows that non-smokers who live with smokers have
a greater risk of heart disease than those who don’t.
How can I give up?
Quitting smoking
has huge health benefits and it’s never too late to give up.
Most smokers want to stop smoking, and 11 million people in the
UK have given up successfully.
Some people find it hard to give up. Being determined is
essential, but there are also things you can do to increase your
chances of stopping.
Practical tips to help you stop smoking
- Make a date to give up and stick to it!
- Throw away all your tobacco,
lighters and ashtrays.
- Draw up a plan of action. Think about what
could help you stop smoking, such as using a nicotine-replacement
product, and have it ready before the date you plan to quit.
- Keep busy to help take your mind off
cigarettes. Try to change your routine, and avoid the shop where
you normally buy cigarettes.
- Get support and let your family and friends
know that you're quitting. Some people find that talking to friends
and relatives who have stopped can be helpful.
- Treat yourself. If you can, use the money
you're saving by not smoking to buy yourself something
special.
Other ways to get help
Your doctor or practice nurse can give you advice on quitting
and information on:
- joining a stop-smoking clinic or stop-smoking group,
- using nicotine-replacement products and
- taking medication to help you stop smoking.
For an online hub, full of information on how to quit and an
online forum with 23,000 quit buddies visit WeQuit.
The following organisations may also be able to help:
Our free Heart Matters service
can also help you with support and advice.
