Smoking cessation is the most efficient step for reducing cardiovascular risk in smokers. Stopping smoking is associated with a decreased risk of stroke and hypertension, in addition to improving patients' lipid and inflammatory profiles. It also lowers the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, along with improved diabetes control and lowered risk of complications. Smoking cessation has been shown to improve physical fitness, in association with a more balanced diet. It is therefore crucial to pay attention to active and passive smoking in cardiovascular risk factor management by means of the 5A rule.
What is already known about the topic?
Smoking is a major cardiovascular risk. Smoking induces pro-inflammatory, atherogenic, and thrombogenic processes, which have been well investigated. Smoking decreases life expectancy and increases, in a dose-dependent manner, the risk of infarction, stroke, hypertension, and arteritis.?
What does this article bring up for us?
Active smoking and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke are modifiable risk factors. Smoking directly impacts cardiovascular risk, while also increasing the risks associated with diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, and diet. Smoking cessation and avoidance of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke efficiently decrease cardiovascular risks. Indeed, stopping smoking has been shown to be the most efficient lifestyle modification for a smoker to decrease cardiovascular risks. Smoking cessation methods combining behavioral support and pharmacological treatment have demonstrated evidence-based efficacy.
Key Words
Smoking cessation, passive smoking, decreased cardiovascular risk, hypertension, diabetes, inflammation, 5A.