How To Stop Smoking

About 30 percent of all deaths from heart disease in the United States are directly related to cigarette smoking. Smoking is a major cause of heart disease which is a disease of the arteries in the heart.

The Negative Effects of Smoking

• Decreased oxygen to the heart.
• Increased blood pressure and heart rate.
• Increased risk of developing heart disease.
• Increase in blood clotting.
• Increased risk of becoming sick.
• Damage to cells that line coronary arteries and other blood vessels.

How To Quit

You have to truly want to quit and then find a method that works for you. You may have to try several methods before determining the approach that will be most suitable for you.

• Pick a date to stop smoking and then stick to it.
• Write down your reasons for quitting. Read over the list every day, before and after you quit.
• Write down when you smoke, why you smoke, and what you are doing when you smoke.
• Stop smoking in certain situations (such as at your work break or after dinner)

Before actually quitting:

• Make a list of activities you would like to do instead of smoking.
• Ask your healthcare provider about using nicotine gum, nicotine patches or prescription medications to help you quit smoking.

List of medications available in the market to help you quit smoking

• Nicotine Patch
• Nicotine Gum
• Nicotine Lozenge
• Nicotine Nasal Spray
• Nicotine Inhaler
• Non-Nicotine Pill (Zyban) (Bupropion)
• Chantix Tablet (Varenicline)

Finally, join a smoking cessation support group or program.