Can Heart Disease Patients Successfully Quit Smoking?

Can people with cardiovascular disease quit smoking?

Hello, Doctor: My father just underwent a cardiac catheterization on September 10th because all three of his coronary arteries were blocked.
He now has a stent placed, and two arteries are already open, while one is still blocked.
The doctor said we will assess the situation during the follow-up appointment to determine if another stent is needed.
The head of cardiology advised my father to quit smoking, and I also hope he can quit.
However, I have read that quitting smoking can sometimes cause heart pain and can be quite distressing.
I'm concerned about how this might affect my father's heart, especially since he has blocked arteries and did not experience pain, which delayed his medical attention.
I suspect he may have silent coronary artery disease, as I found that one-third of coronary artery disease patients do not feel any symptoms.
I'm worried that if my father quits smoking and experiences heart pain, it could impact his health negatively.
Is he suitable to quit smoking? He is currently 56 years old, about 160 cm tall, weighs around 70 kg, has hypertension and high cholesterol, and is a carrier of hepatitis B.
He has been smoking for about thirty years.
On September 4th, he felt a bit unwell, but on September 6th, he drove me from Kaohsiung to Tamsui for my university registration, as I am a transfer student in my third year after graduating from a vocational school.
On September 8th, during a follow-up visit to the internal medicine department, we discovered his heart issues, and he needed to be hospitalized immediately.
I feel very distressed for my father because he is getting older, and I am still studying.
Everyone says it was my fault for making him drive such a long distance from Kaohsiung to Tamsui, which almost cost him his life.
I feel terrible about it.
I want to help my father regain his health.
I know quitting smoking is beneficial, but I am afraid his body may not handle it well, so I wanted to ask some questions first, hoping to get some answers.
I apologize for the lengthy message, and I want to thank you in advance!

Lingling, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/09/12

Dr. Suo Ren reply Smoking Cessation

Dear Lingling, it is never too late to quit smoking.
Your father's cardiovascular disease and hyperlipidemia may be closely related to long-term smoking.
Smoking not only narrows the blood vessels but also deteriorates respiratory function, increases carbon monoxide levels in the blood, and decreases oxygen content, further exacerbating myocardial hypoxia.
Quitting smoking immediately will benefit the heart, so please do not hesitate.
Wishing you health and happiness.
Dr.
Suo Ren, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Taoyuan Hospital (Chest Specialist 100)

Reply Date: 2003/09/12

More Info

Quitting smoking is an essential step for anyone, especially for individuals with heart disease. Your father's recent heart catheterization and stent placement indicate that he has significant coronary artery disease, which is closely linked to smoking. The good news is that quitting smoking can lead to substantial health improvements, even for someone with a history of heart disease.

Firstly, it's important to understand that smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. It contributes to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to blockages and heart attacks. By quitting smoking, your father can significantly reduce his risk of further cardiovascular events. Research shows that the benefits of quitting smoking begin almost immediately; within 20 minutes, heart rate and blood pressure drop, and within a year, the risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half.

Regarding your concerns about potential heart pain or discomfort during the quitting process, it's true that some individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, irritability, and physical discomfort. However, these symptoms are generally temporary and can be managed with appropriate support. It's crucial to differentiate between withdrawal symptoms and actual heart pain, which should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Given your father's medical history, including hypertension and high cholesterol, it is vital that he approaches quitting smoking under medical supervision. His healthcare provider can offer tailored strategies to help him quit, which may include:
1. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): This includes options like nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges that can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. These are generally safe for individuals with heart conditions, but your father's doctor should confirm this.

2. Prescription Medications: There are medications available, such as varenicline (Chantix) and bupropion (Zyban), that can help with smoking cessation. These medications work by affecting the brain's nicotine receptors and can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

3. Behavioral Support: Counseling or support groups can provide emotional support and coping strategies. Many hospitals and clinics offer smoking cessation programs that combine medication with behavioral therapy.

4. Lifestyle Changes: Encouraging your father to engage in physical activity, eat a heart-healthy diet, and manage stress can also support his quitting efforts. Regular exercise can improve cardiovascular health and help mitigate some withdrawal symptoms.

5. Monitoring and Follow-Up: Regular follow-ups with his healthcare provider can help track his progress and address any concerns that arise during the quitting process.

It's understandable to feel anxious about your father's health, especially given the recent medical events. However, supporting him in quitting smoking can be one of the most significant contributions to his recovery and long-term health. Encourage him to communicate openly with his healthcare team about his fears and concerns, as they can provide reassurance and guidance tailored to his specific situation.

In conclusion, your father is absolutely suitable to quit smoking, and doing so will greatly benefit his heart health. While there may be challenges along the way, the long-term advantages of quitting far outweigh the temporary discomforts. With the right support and resources, he can successfully navigate this journey toward better health.

Similar Q&A

Effective Smoking Cessation Strategies for Patients with Heart Disease and Diabetes

Hello, my father has been smoking for a long time. Recently, he suffered a stroke and has a history of hypertension and diabetes. We want to help him quit smoking, but after purchasing nicotine patches, we found out that they are not suitable for patients with cardiovascular dise...

Dr. Chen Houliang reply Smoking Cessation
Hello Ms. Liu: Nicotine replacement therapy, such as nicotine patches, is an effective medication to assist with smoking cessation and remains a first-line treatment for quitting smoking. The notion that nicotine patches are unsuitable for patients with cardiovascular disease and...

Essential Smoking Cessation Tips for Lung Cancer Patients

Dear Sir/Madam, My friend is a patient with lung cancer and congenital heart disease. I would like to ask the following questions: 1. Do oncologists typically recommend smoking cessation for lung cancer patients? 2. Are there any specific considerations for lung cancer patients...

Dr. Li Fuchun reply Smoking Cessation
Dear Dennis, 1. Smoking cessation is a health initiative strongly promoted by the National Health Bureau of the Department of Health. Therefore, all patients should be encouraged to quit smoking. Patients with lung cancer and congenital heart disease should be particularly motiv...

How to Help a Loved One Overcome a Severe Smoking Addiction?

My father has a severe smoking addiction (he has also had a history of alcohol addiction) and smokes a pack or more of cigarettes every day. I have asked him to quit smoking, but he responded, "Are you trying to get me killed?" He has been smoking for over 20 years. I a...

Dr. Zhang Gengjia reply Psychiatry
Addiction disorders are not only a type of brain disease but have also been confirmed as a highly heritable physiological condition (Uhl and Grow, Arch Gen Psychiatry, 2004), with a higher heritability coefficient than Parkinson's disease or asthma. Treatment is the most eff...

Effective Strategies for Quitting Smoking: A Guide for Beginners

Hello Dr. Chen, I am an advertising professional and live alone. I have gradually developed a relationship with smoking since my adolescence and have never considered quitting until recently, due to certain factors. I now have the desire to quit smoking for good. What steps shoul...

Dr. Chen Ruiqing reply Smoking Cessation
Hello Miss Ivy: Quitting smoking can be challenging, and relying solely on willpower may not be sufficient, making the process more difficult. Currently, there are nicotine patches and nicotine gum available that can help you easily overcome the harmful effects of smoking. You ca...