Thursday, August 28, 2008

The Effects of Smoking

The Effects of Smoking

Smokers who have heart failure can automatically eliminate a major source of damage to their heart by quitting. Each puff of nicotine from tobacco smoke temporarily increases heart rate and blood pressure, even as less oxygen-rich blood circulates through the body. Smoking also leads to clumping or stickiness in the blood vessels feeding the heart. People who quit smoking are more likely to have their heart failure symptoms improve.
Lifetime smokers often need help to quit successfully. The healthcare team can provide information about smoking cessation programs, as can the American Lung Association and the American Cancer Society. These tips may also help smokers quit:
Keep busy doing things that make it hard to smoke, like working in the yard, washing dishes and being more active. Fight the urge by going to places where smoking isn't allowed and staying around people who don't smoke. Avoid situations that tempt you to smoke, like drinking coffee or alcohol. Find a substitute to reach for instead of a cigarette. Try a hard candy. Don't give up if you smoke a cigarette. Just resolve not to do it again. Remind yourself that you're likely to feel better if you stop smoking. Tell family members and friends that you need to quit smoking and need their support. If your husband, wife, son or daughter smokes, ask them to quit with you.
This content is reviewed regularly. Last updated 12/13/07.www.americanheart.org

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