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Heart failure and smoking don’t mix. If you smoke cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, quit. If people in your household smoke, ask them to quit, too. If they can’t stop, they should smoke outside.
Smoking can cause cancer. It also raises your risk for heart failure. And, smoking makes heart failure worse. It:
- Narrows blood vessels.
- Raises blood pressure.
- Makes it harder to exercise.
- Lowers “good” (HDL) cholesterol, and raises “bad” (LDL) cholesterol.
All of these things put smokers at a higher risk for heart attacks and stroke.
Kicking the habit
The U.S. Surgeon General’s Office offers this stop-smoking plan:
| Five days before your quit date |
Think about why you should quit. Tell your friends and family that you plan to quit. Stop buying cigarettes. |
| Four days before your quit date |
Know when and why you smoke. Think of what you can hold in your hand, instead of a cigarette. See what habits or routines you can change. |
| Three days before your quit date |
Think of what you will do with the extra money when you stop buying cigarettes. And, think of who you can reach out to when you need help. |
| Two days before your quit date |
Buy a nicotine patch or nicotine gum. Or, see your doctor for a nicotine inhaler, nasal spray, or non-nicotine pill. |
| One day before your quit date |
Put away lighters and ashtrays. Throw away cigarettes and matches. Clean your clothes to get rid of the smell of cigarette smoke. |
| Quit Day |
Keep busy. Remind your family and friends that this is your quit day. Stay away from alcohol, give yourself a treat, or do something special. |
| Smoke free |
Congratulations! |
If you have a cigarette, don’t give up. Set a new date to get back on track. Call a friend or “quit-smoking” support group. Eat healthy food, and get exercise.
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