At the ESC Congress 2024 in London, a recent study emphasising the significant benefits of quitting smoking for those with coronary artery disease (CAD) was presented. According to the survey, there is a 44% reduction in the risk of a heart attack or other major cardiovascular events when smoking cessation occurs after CAD diagnosis. However, quitting smoking on its own does not significantly reduce this risk. The findings emphasise the necessity of quitting smoking altogether to lower the hazards involved.

The coronary artery disease data analysis from 32,378 patients showed notable distinctions across current, former, and non-smokers.  

Of the individuals involved, 46% had smoked in the past, 12% were smokers now, and 41% had never smoked. No matter how much a smoker cuts back, research shows that the risk of heart attack rises by 8% for every year they continue to smoke. On the other hand, total cessation of smoking, regardless of the amount of time since cessation, has significant cardiovascular advantages.

Experts stress that smoking is never safe at any level. A cardiologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Centre named Dr Richard Wright observed that smoking’s detrimental effects rapidly set off a chain of hazardous processes in the body that significantly raise the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. Those who are exposed to secondhand smoke, as well as smokers, are at risk for this. 

The results of the study add to previous research showing that smoking causes damage to the endothelial lining of the coronary arteries, which in turn causes atherosclerosis. This condition narrows the arteries and lowers cardiac blood flow. Smoking increases inflammation and blood clotting, which raises the risk of a heart attack even more.

The study reveals that although giving up smoking can significantly lessen the risk of cardiovascular events, smokers never fully regain the lower risk levels of never having smoked. On the other hand, there are more significant advantages to quitting earlier. The study’s lead author, Dr Jules Mesnier, emphasised the value of good communication during medical treatments and urged medical staff to remind patients to quit smoking.

Beyond the cardiovascular system, smoking is associated with numerous adverse effects, especially for women whose smaller coronary arteries may result in an earlier heart attack. Women who are perimenopausal or menopausal, as well as those who have extra risk factors like diabetes or obesity, are particularly susceptible to health problems associated with smoking, according to Dr. Jayne Morgan, vice president of medical affairs at Hello Heart.

Medical specialists widely acknowledge that giving up smoking is crucial for lowering the risk of cardiovascular events. In closing, Dr. Wright delivered a clear message: “Abandon smoking immediately. Within a month, the benefits begin, and the excess risk is eventually reduced.”

In conclusion, this study highlights how crucial it is for people with coronary artery disease to stop smoking to save their lives. Reducing is insufficient; the only option is to give up to avoid heart risks altogether.