Quitting smoking halves heart risk: study shocks those affected!

Quitting smoking halves heart risk: study shocks those affected!

Smoking is a leading cause of health problems, especially when it comes to heart disease. A recent study shows how important it is for people with heart problems to quit smoking immediately to improve their health and reduce their risk of serious cardiovascular events. Ulrich Laufs, a renowned cardiologist and member of the scientific advisory board of the German Heart Foundation, emphasizes the frightening effects of smoking: “There is hardly a disease that does not correlate negatively with cigarette smoke,” he explains in an interview with the German Press Agency (dpa).

Despite this alarming information, quitting cigarettes remains a challenge for many people. However, a study has shown that quitting smoking has significant positive effects, particularly in cases of stable coronary heart disease - a disease in which the coronary arteries are narrowed by deposits. Statistics show that anyone who quits smoking can reduce their risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attacks by 44 percent within five years.

Minimizing risk by quitting smoking

Stable coronary heart disease is defined as the condition in which acute life-threatening events such as heart attacks have not yet occurred. The study, presented during the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress in London, analyzed data from over 32,000 patients. Many continued to smoke, which dramatically increased their risk of future heart problems.

The results of the study show that conscientious non-smokers can not only improve their health but also increase their life expectancy compared to smokers. In particular, study author Jules Mesnier from the Hospital Bichat-Claude Bernard in Paris noted that the first twelve months after diagnosis are crucial. Of the participants who quit smoking during this time, 73 percent remained abstinent, significantly reducing their risk.

Cardiologist Harm Wienbergen from the Links der Weser Clinic in Bremen emphasizes that the motivation to give up smoking is high after such a critical diagnosis. “It is paramount to provide targeted support to patients at the time of diagnosis,” he notes. The insight that quitting smoking can halve the risk of serious events or even death is a powerful message.

The importance of the social environment

In addition to personal motivation, success in quitting also depends heavily on the social environment. Laufs explains that smokers in a non-smoking environment have a much higher chance of successfully coping with withdrawal. At the same time, one should also be aware of the fact that former smokers reduce their risk, but never reach the level of non-smokers.

Medical aids, such as nicotine gum and patches, can also provide valuable support. “It is never too early or too late to stop smoking, but the sooner the better,” emphasizes Mesnier and appeals to everyone who struggles with smoking. The health benefits of making an early decision are significant.

Overall, the study powerfully demonstrated that smoking and heart disease are closely linked. Smokers should be aware of the dangers and seek help if necessary in order to sustainably improve their health and quality of life. For more information about the health risks of smoking and the positive effects of quitting, could www.infranken.de in a current article provide further insights.