Don't do it, no butts about it!

Did you know it is predicted that 50 percent of all smokers will be killed by their own habit? Besides the fact that smoke contains 43 chemicals known to cause cancer, it is bad for the entire cardiovascular system. Nicotine, carbon monoxide and tar have been linked to the development of plaque in the arteries. Moreover, nicotine and carbon monoxide have additional harmful effects. Nicotine causes the heart to speed up and blood pressure to rise causing undue stress on the heart. Carbon monoxide binds to the red blood cells at the site where oxygen normally binds, causing less oxygen to be carried by the blood and depriving the body of necessary oxygen. Patients who have already had a heart attack or bypass surgery have an increased risk of a second heart attack or need for another bypass if they continue to smoke.

How do you quit the habit?

• Set a quit date.
• Seek professional help.
• Use a "smoking cessation aid":
• Nicotrol inhaler - nicotine inhaler that weans you from the nicotine addiction.
• Nicotine gum - another aid to wean you from the nicotine addiction.
• Nicotin patch - also helps control nicotine withdrawal, making it easier to quit.
• Wellbutrin - a medication that help to decrease the urge to smoke.

Call the health care professionals at the Preventive Cardiology Clinic for help achieving a smoke-free life.