April 4, 2023
Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. It can lead to numerous health complications, including cardiovascular disease. Quitting smoking can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and blood clots, improve circulation, and more. If you are ready to make a positive, life-altering change for your cardiovascular health, you can find support for smoking cessation in New Orleans. Learn about the benefits of smoking cessation and how Cardiovascular Institute of the South can help you quit for good.
Smoking is responsible for nearly six million deaths worldwide each year. Cutting out smoking and the use of other tobacco products can improve blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen delivery. Seeking smoking cessation support in New Orleans can help tobacco users quit sooner and start experiencing these benefits faster.
According to the American Heart Association, your risk of heart disease is reduced by half within one year of quitting. In 15 years, your risk of heart disease is similar to that of a non-smoker. At Cardiovascular Institute of the South, we provide tools and resources to help tobacco users maintain their decision to quit. This support can promote long-term cardiovascular health by imparting these essential benefits.
Smoking cessation can prevent the development of coronary artery disease, also known as atherosclerosis. This condition occurs when plaque builds up in your arteries, restricting blood flow to your heart and other vital organs. Nicotine, the main active ingredient in tobacco, contributes to this buildup. Quitting smoking can lower this risk by reducing inflammation in your arteries and decreasing plaque accumulation over time.
Smoking increases your blood pressure due to the toxic chemicals present in cigarettes. However, when you quit smoking, your blood pressure can gradually improve in as little as two weeks. Lowering your blood pressure significantly decreases your risk for stroke and other severe medical conditions like kidney failure or aneurysms.
Smoking damages blood vessels and constricts the arteries, preventing oxygen-rich blood from reaching vital organs. This lack of circulation can lead to numbness in extremities or even organ failure in extreme cases if left untreated for too long. When you quit smoking, these vessels will gradually open again, allowing improved circulation throughout the body.
Smoking changes the surface texture of blood platelets, making it easier for them to form clots in veins or arteries. If left untreated, blood clots can lead to dangerous health concerns such as pulmonary embolisms or strokes. Smoking cessation allows platelets to return to their original texture, decreasing stickiness and reducing the risk of forming dangerous blockages.
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your cardiovascular health, but we understand it can be challenging. At Cardiovascular Institute of the South, we offer smoking cessation support in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana and Mississippi. Our comprehensive tobacco cessation program combines several forms of treatment to help patients increase their chances of successful cessation. The program is led by a caring and compassionate team dedicated to helping patients quit for good. We provide education, quitting strategies, and counseling sessions so that participants have support every step of the way.
Are you ready to commit to a tobacco-free lifestyle? We’re ready to help. Call us at 1-877-288-0011 or email us at committoquit@cardio.com. You can also meet with our cardiovascular specialists to assess your current condition by requesting an appointment. Smoking cessation starts with your decision to quit—and with professional tools and support, you can make a lasting change.