Take a New Year’s Resolution to Stop Smoking

Erick E. Calderon, MD, FACC, FSCAI

December 17th marks the first day of  “Take a New Year’s Resolution to Stop Smoking” (TANYRSS).

Most people are familiar with the negative affects that smoking has on your lungs and the increase in cancer related diseases, but often times are unaware of the detriment that smoking does to your heart.

Smoking cigarettes and other forms of tobacco causes toxic chemicals to enter your lungs and travel throughout your body. All smoking, no matter how long you’ve done it, or how much in quantity you’ve smoked, affects your heart negatively and causes damage. But the good news is, no matter how long or how much you’ve smoked, quitting will benefit you immensely. It’s never too late to stop smoking.

Smoking correlates to the heart and vascular issues following:
• Causes inflammation in the arteries
• Increases heart rate
• Causes sticky plaque buildup in your arteries (both coronary & peripheral)
• Raises LDL (bad cholesterol)
• Lowers HDL (good Cholesterol)
• Blood vessel walls become stiff and damaged
• Creates abnormal heart rhythms
• Increases blood pressure
• Creates undue stress on your heart
• Causes blood to thicken
• Lowers oxygen levels in blood

The chemicals in the smoke are what cause atherosclerosis (arterial plaque). These chemicals negatively affect cholesterol levels and fibrogen levels, which is a blood-clotting agent. These disturbances can lead to stroke, aortic aneurysms, peripheral vascular disease, heart attack and abdominal aortic aneurysms just to name a few.

Realistic advice to help you quit smoking:
• Take the TANYRSS Challenge and stop smoking on 12/17/16
• Get rid of all tobacco & lighters
• Plan ahead. Talk to your doctor now about smoking cessation programs, treatment options and medications.
• Let your family and friends know that you’re quitting
• Find a new hobby to stay busy
• Avoid the same old routine that allowed you the convenience of smoking
• Keep track of the money you save, write it down everyday and make a tally
• At the end of each week that you continue to not smoke, treat yourself to something nice.
• Don’t give up!  It’s not easy, but it’s worth it to quit.

By quitting smoking you reduce your risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and cardiovascular disease.

Statistics According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
• Within 20 minutes of quitting, your heart rate will decrease
• Within 12 hours of quitting, the carbon monoxide levels in your blood will decrease to normal
• Within 3 months of quitting, your risk of a heart attack decreases and your lungs will begin to work better
• After 1 year, your added risk of coronary artery disease is half that of someone who smokes
• After 5 years, your risk of stroke is the same as that of a nonsmoker
• After 10 years, your lung cancer death rate is about half that of someone who smokes
• After 15 years, your risk of coronary artery disease is the same as that of a nonsmoker

Lakewood Cardiovascular Consultants
Lakewood Cardiovascular Consultants are experts in taking care of patients with established and complex cardiovascular disease. They recognize the importance of preventive care in those with high risk factors for the heart, including those patients that smoke, or have smoked in the past.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care provider. We encourage you to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.

Medical Office Building II – Suite 230
6310 Health Park Way, Bradenton, FL 34202

Erick E. Calderon, M.D., FACC, FSCAI, a Board Certified interventional cardiologist and Cynthia Bosch, ARNP, a nurse practitioner with many years of cardiology experience, share the belief of delivering cardiac care utilizing state-of-the-art technology. They apply the latest, most up to date medical data, along with expertise and peer-to-peer leadership in their specialty. You will be cared for in a personalized, professional and timely manner.

Let them help you quit smoking and also to find out the necessary steps to get your heart healthy again.

For more information, please visit LakewoodCardiovascular.com, or call
(941) 907-1113