EFFECTS OF TOBACCO USE

 

The effects of tobacco include:

• Constriction of blood vessels (as blood vessels become smaller, the blood pressure is raised)

• Increased carbon monoxide levels in the bloodstream, which impairs oxygen transport

• Formation of blood clots

• Acceleration of the process of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)

• Increased risk of blockage in leg arteries (there is a 30 percent to 50 percent increase with smoking one-half pack per day)

• Increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and/or death

• Decreased chance of successful surgical outcome

• Greater risk for amputation

​

​

HOW TO QUIT

​

Ask your healthcare provider about smoking cessation programs in your community.

Before you quit all at once ("cold turkey"), setting a plan will help:

• Pick a date to stop smoking and then get ready for it.

• Record when and why you smoke.  You will come to know what triggers your urges to smoke.

• Record what you do when you smoke.  As you plan to stop, try smoking at different times and different places to break the connections between smoking and certain activities.

• List your reasons for quitting.  Read over the list before and after you quit.

• Find activities to replace smoking.  Be ready to do something else when you want to smoke.

• Ask your healthcare provider about using nicotine gum and patches.  Some people find these aids are very helpful.

• Ask your doctor about a nicotine-free prescription medication (for example, Chantix® or Zyban®) that can help you quit smoking.

​

​

BENEFITS OF QUITTING

​