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 disease –
smokers 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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