Smoking, heart disease and stroke

Smoking and/or exposure to second-hand smoke has many negative health effects that increase your risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Smoking contributes to the build-up of plaque in your arteries, increases the risk of blood clots, reduces the oxygen in your blood, increases your blood pressure and makes your heart to work harder. Smoking also nearly doubles the risk of ischemic stroke.

Did you know?

Being smoke-free has enormous benefits for your health and the health of the people around you. More than 47,000 Canadians will die prematurely each year due to tobacco use, and almost 8,000 non-smokers die each year from exposure to second-hand smoke.

The good news

Once you become smoke-free and avoid exposure to second-hand smoke, you will immediately reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. The sooner you become smoke-free, the sooner your body can start to recover and it doesnt take long to see the effects.

  • Within 48 hours, your chances of having a heart attack start to go down and your sense of smell and taste begin to improve.
  • Within 1 year, your risk of suffering a smoking-related heart attack is cut in half.
  • Within 15 years, your risk of heart attack is the same as someone who never smoked at all.
Becoming smoke-free

If youve been thinking about quitting, then youre one step closer to becoming smoke-free. But, it can be hard to change a habit that youve probably had for years. Well help you get started with some tips, quizzes and tools, and well point you to the support resources youll need to help you go smoke-free for life.

Tips for becoming smoke-free
  • Learn your smoking triggers Figure out when you tend to smoke. Is it when you have a coffee or go out for a drink with friends, or when youre stressed? Identifying your triggers is one of the most important steps to becoming smoke free.
  • Break the connection - Break the habit Once you can identify your triggers, youll be better able to break the connection between smoking and your routines. So, when you feel the need to smoke, stop and ask yourself if you really need this cigarette, or if you can wait and do something else. Try to delay smoking by keeping your hands and mouth busy drink water, brush your teeth, snack on carrot or celery sticks, or take a walk.
  • Set a Quit Date If you are ready to quit, set a date now, write it down and tell a friend or family member youve decided to become smoke-free.
  • Make your home and car smoke-free The more difficult you make it for yourself and others to smoke, the less you will. Cut down on your opportunities to smoke and youll be able to gradually reduce the cigarettes you smoke each day which will help reduce your dependence.
  • Ask for help Becoming smoke-free can be hard, so dont be afraid to ask for help and support from family, friends and your doctor. Health Canada also offers free telephone support and counseling from trained specialists for smokers, their families and friends. Visit their Web site to find the quit line in your province.

Check out www.gosmokefree.ca Health Canadas Go Smoke Free! Web site and 1-800-O-Canada phone line provide you with support resources, tips and tools to help you become smoke-free.

For more information on this issue read the Heart and Stroke Foundation position statement on Becoming and Remaining Smoke-Free.

For more information on smoking, please read our brochure Just Breathe: Becoming and Remaining Smoke Free

Last reviewed July 2008.