THE CARDIOVASCULAR INSTITUTE

SMOKING - Reducing the Risks

The reality is that smokers typically die younger than non-smokers do and may die younger than those who quit smoking. However, like many other smokers, you may have difficulty quitting -- or you really don't want to. Other than quitting , there are no proven ways to avoid the risk of developing a serious health complication from smoking.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SMOKING?

Cigarette smoking is the number one preventable risk factor contributing to heart disease. If you smoke and have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, your chances of developing heart disease are even greater. Coronary artery disease kills over 700,000 men and women every year. At least 100,000 of these cases are caused by cigarette smoking.

The death rate from chronic bronchitis and emphysema for those who smoke less than a pack a day is four times higher than for non-smokers. For those who smoke more than a pack a day, it is seven times higher. Chronic bronchitis is characterized by inflammation and excess mucus in the lungs, which leads to chronic cough and shortness of breath.

With emphysema, the small air sacs in the lungs become like popped balloons. The lungs can no longer expand and contract easily for breathing. The disease causes the heart to work harder to pump oxygen-starved blood through the damaged lungs. Shortness of breath is the primary symptom.

Another disease caused by smoking is lung cancer. Smokers comprise about 80% of the lung cancer cases every year. The lung cancer death rate for people who smoke a pack-a-day is 10 times higher than that of non-smokers and up 20 times higher for people who smoke more than two packs a day. The symptoms of lung cancer include a constant cough, blood-streaked sputum, faint chest pains, and shortness of breath. See your doctor if any of these symptoms appear.

HOW CAN YOU REDUCE THE RISKS OF SMOKING?

There are a number of things you can do that might slow down the harmful effects of smoking, but nothing is guaranteed. For example:

• Choose a cigarette with less tar and nicotine. Some filter brands have only one-half of these contents compared to others. It is important to note that if you switch to a lighter cigarette - don't smoke more of them.
• Don't smoke your cigarette down to the filter. Most of the tar and nicotine content is in the last half of the cigarette.
• Take fewer puffs on each cigarette.
• Smoke fewer cigarettes each day. Pick a time of day when you promise yourself not to smoke. It might be a good idea not to smoke until after breakfast, or maybe not to smoke on the way to work.

WILL THESE STEPS MAKE SMOKING SAFE?

These steps can help you get on a path toward quitting. Remember that this does not make smoking "safe." Anything you may do, short of quitting, is only a compromise. Smoking even one cigarette per day can cause significant health problems.

Take steps to stop smoking starting today. Find out about the smoking cessation program closest to your home or office, and have a complete physical examination at least once a year.