Smoking is a significant cardiovascular risk factor
that may increase the risk of death from a cardiovascular cause by 50%. Smoking
causes narrowing of the blood vessels which increases the blood pressure for
several hours after each cigarette. It also increases the amount of carbon
monoxide in the blood, which lowers the amount of oxygen that keeps the body
working. It lowers the HDL ("good") cholesterol and makes it easier
to make a blood clot in a blood vessel. These risks are reduced when an
individual quits.1
There are many strategies to quit smoking. It is
important to find a strategy that works for you. It is also important to find a
health care professional who is knowledgeable in smoking cessation. You may
want to start with your personal physician. There are local resources,
including the Georgia Quit Smoking Line: 1-877-270-STOP. There are also
national resources, including the American Lung Association at http://www.lungusa.org
and the American Cancer Society at http://www.cancer.org
Medications are available over-the-counter and
by prescription. Always consult your doctor before starting to use an
over-the-counter medication for smoking cessation.
Medications to treat tobacco dependence include:2
- Bupropion SR (Zyban, Wellbutrin)
- Nicotine gum
- Nicotine inhaler
- Nicotine nasal spray
- Nicotine patch
Most people who quit smoking, had tried several
times before they succeeded. They key is to keep trying!
1ACC/AHA 2002 Guideline Update for the
Management of Patients with Chronic Stable Angina. http://www.acc.org
or http://www.americanheart.org
2Clinical Practice Guideline: Treating Tobacco
Use and Dependence. US Department of Health and Human Services. June 2000.
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