Stop smoking
The most effective way to avoid a heart attack is to stop smoking altogether. Even one cigarette every day increases the risk of a heart attack by 50%. The damage smoking causes sets the path for hardening and narrowing of the arteries, called atherosclerosis, and peripheral vascular disease (a disease in the vessels that supply blood to the arms and legs). Any amount of smoking, even light smoking or occasional smoking, damages the heart and blood vessels. Its never too late to quit – quitting smoking at any age has lots of health benefits. There are many resources to help, including life coaching, nicotine replacement patches, counseling and support programs.
Cravings for a cigarette usually last 3 to 5 minutes. If you can get over those few minutes, you are well on the way to not having that cigarette. The 4 D’s can help you do that.
- Delay: wait at least 3 minutes; the urge will pass
- Drink: water or juice
- Distract yourself: move away from the situation, and do something different
- Take deep breaths: breathe slowly and deeply, in through your nose and out through your mouth.
How the heart for health team can help you:
- Download the workbook – identify your triggers and set out a plan to quit smoking
- Track your progress weekly
- If you are having difficulty quitting on your own, book an appointment with a life coach or psychologist to help you on your journey to healthier living.
Reference:
Healthy Heart.org. (2022) Smoking. Available at: https://www.healthy-heart.org/keep-your-heart-healthy/smoking/ (Accessed 12/11/2022)