The BHF’s Giving Up Smoking poster

Smoking

If you are a smoker, quitting is the biggest step you can take to reduce the risk of having a heart attack.

Smoking is one of the major causes of cardiovascular diseasesmokers are almost twice as likely to have a heart attack as people who have never smoked.

It can increase the risk of developing several different types of cancer and is the main cause of some lung diseases.

How does smoking damage your heart?

Smoking harms your heart by:

  • damaging 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, so your heart has to work harder
  • makes your blood more likely to clot.

All of these things increase the risk of developing coronary heart disease, or having a heart attack or stroke.

What is second-hand smoke?

This is when non-smokers inhale smoker’s second-hand smoke – it's also known as passive smoking. Second-hand smoke can be harmful, and research shows that non-smokers who live with smokers have a greater risk of heart disease than those who don’t live with smokers.

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. Some people find it hard to give up, but about 11 million people in the UK have successfully stopped smoking. Being determined is essential, but there are also things you can do to increase your chances of stopping. 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
  • taking medication to help you stop smoking.

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 usually buy cigarettes.
  • Get support and let your family and friends know that you are 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 are saving by not smoking to buy yourself something special.

More information

Visit our Publications section to obtain our...

Smoking and your heart booklet
Smoking and how to give up booklet
Smoke-free signs booklet

Other organisations


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For free heart health information - call 0300 330 3311

For free heart health information - call 0300 330 3311
For free heart health information - call 0300 330 3311
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Find out all about our informative booklets, DVDs, CDs and videos on heart health

Find out all about our informative booklets, DVDs, CDs and videos on heart health
Find out all about our informative booklets, DVDs, CDs and videos on heart health
Continue