Vascular Risk Factors - Smoking:

One of the commonest cardiac risk factors - as well as and the presence of a family history of coronary disease - is smoking. The presence of cardiac risk factors increases the chances of developing coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease (i.e. stroke).  In any risk calculation other variables need to be factored in. Most important is Asian descent which multiplies the risk by 1.5. More recently, premature menopause has been associated with increased risk too. Thus hypertension should not be treated in isolation.

Smoking:

There is no doubt as to the significance of this risk factor, and how important it is to stop smoking. It is never too late to stop! In addition to nicotine there are thought to be about 3500 toxins within a cigarette that are implicated in either: heart disease, lung disease and cancer. Smoking also contributes to poor blood pressure control.

There are numerous techniques that can be employed to stop.

Artificial cigarettes may help. In patients who smoke more than 10 cigarettes per day, certain tablets or patches can also be used. One type is called Nicotine Replacement Therapy, and can come as a patch, chewing gum, tablet, or spray. Other medication includes "Zyban" which is only available on prescription.

Frequently there is concern whether these drugs can be used in patients with heart disease or during pregnancy. The answer is that if the patient won't stop smoking, then the benefit of the medication outweighs the risk. Contact with the family doctor is recommended, who can organise a referral to a "Smoking Cessation Clinic", usually based in the community. Excellent advice is given on addressing psychological issues, and medication tailored to the individual prescribed. Statistically, you are much more likely to give up smoking by attending such a clinic.