Still Smoking? It's Worth Giving It Up

05/15/08 Research

Many smokers have adopted the philosophy that their smoking habit has already taken its toll, and they may as well live with the consequences. Having been such an individual for many years, I fully understand the argument. But it’s wrong. Quit smoking and you can reduce your risk of coronary heart disease by 61 percent as well as reduce your risk of stroke by 42 percent within 5 years. 

That comes from the folks at Harvard who published their research in the May 7, 2008 Journal of the American Medical Association.

The data was as a result of the Nurse’s Health Study and tracked them for several decades. Although these subjects were all female, the authors conclude the results may be applied to men with similar smoking profiles.

There were some details that proved interesting beyond the decreased risk after quitting smoking. For instance, the number of cigarettes smoked daily did not seem to have an impact on the rate or extent of heart disease, but did have significance on those who subsequently developed respiratory disease. What that translates into is that it only takes a few cigarettes to affect the heart. It doesn’t mean “I only smoke a little so I’m okay.” How much tobacco being used was not the criterion for death risk.

Statistics point out that when it affects the heart, risk rapidly decreases once smoking stops. For other systems it may take significantly longer and may not be reversible. The bottom line is that it is never to early or too late to stop.

Corie Richter is a nurse and physician's assistant who started her career as a health educator. The survivor of a myocardial infarction (heart attack) and partially successful quadruple bypass surgery, she did not let her health challenges hamper her. Neither the limitations of spinal surgery nor of diabetes have deterred her from a mission of service. She now encourages others through writing and speaking engagements to master their disabilities through education and a proactive attitude.