You have just survived a heart attack. It is not likely you would want to experience that again. Reducing your risk of another episode and working your way toward improved health will require commitment, discipline, and some sacrifices. One such sacrifice should be quitting smoking.

Why quit smoking after a heart attack? Continuing to smoke doubles your risk of having a second heart attack. It is never too late to quit. Your risk of a heart attack is already lowered within 24 hours after quitting.

What Smoking Does to Your Heart

How does smoking affect your heart? Smoking works in conjunction with other heart-related risk factors. Smoking contributes to:

• Atherosclerosis—by further narrowing your blood vessels and reducing blood supply throughout your body
• High blood pressure—narrowed blood vessels make the heart work harder, which can also raise your heart rate
• Increased risk of blood clots—which can cause another heart attack or stroke
• Lower high-density lipoprotein, or the good type of cholesterol
• Coronary artery disease after bypass surgery
• Decreased tolerance for activities, including exercise
• Other health conditions such as, cancer, diabetes, and lung disorders

What Quitting Can Do for You

In addition to lowering your chance of another heart attack, here are other health benefits of quitting smoking:

Ready to Quit?

If you are ready to quit smoking, talk with your doctor about the best approach for you. Approaches may include trying different ways to fight cravings, taking smoking cessation medications, and meeting with a support group or counselor. There may be several or a combination of approaches you will use before finding what works for you. But it is important that you take the initiative to quit and not give up. Doing so may ensure that your first heart attack is your last.