Smoking is a leading cause of lung cancer and is associated with premature coronary artery disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. Toxins in cigarette smoke damage arterial endothelium and predispose to plaque formation. Due to the presence of circulating free radicals LDL-cholesterol is more likely to become oxidised (harmful) in smokers. HDL-C levels drop and the remaining HDL-C becomes dysfunctional so its protective effects are lost. The negative health outcomes from smoking vary from person to person but on average it seems that smoking takes 10 years off a person’s life. No matter when a person stops smoking there are improvements in health and lifespan is potentially increased.
Smoking cessation is tough and a dedicated team effort is needed. It is never too late to stop. The first step is wanting to stop; the second is asking for help to do it.