TÜSAD DELIVERS "QUIT SMOKING, PROTECT YOUR HEART" MESSAGE ON 31 MAY WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY
Harms develop gradually, but benefits of quitting appear immediately
On World No Tobacco Day on 31 May, observed globally this year under the theme of heart disease, TÜSAD issued an important warning.
TÜSAD noted that while the harms of smoking develop gradually over years, positive changes begin to appear in the body within minutes of quitting. The organization drew attention to the fact that one year after quitting, the risk of heart attack is cut in half.
The World Health Organization (WHO), which conducts informational and guidance activities on tobacco control for member states, has designated a specific theme for 31 May each year since 1988, which it declares as World No Tobacco Day.
Turkey Respiratory Research Society (TÜSAD) noted that this year's WHO theme is "Tobacco and Heart Disease", and drew attention to the gains to be achieved by quitting smoking.
In a statement by TÜSAD Tobacco Working Group Chair Prof. Dr. Nazmi Bilir, attention was drawn to the relationship between smoking and heart health.
Explaining that research shows one of every two smokers dies from a health problem caused by smoking, Bilir shared the following information: "Due to health problems caused by tobacco use, approximately 100,000 people die annually in our country and 7 million worldwide.
Two-thirds of deaths related to tobacco use occur due to heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic lung disease. Among these three diseases, heart attack accounts for the largest share. Approximately one-quarter of deaths related to tobacco product use are due to heart disease."
HEART RATE NORMALIZES IN 15-20 MINUTES
Recalling that among the adverse effects of tobacco use on the body are changes in blood vessel structure, Prof. Dr. Nazmi Bilir warned that heart attacks occur as a result of narrowing and blockage particularly in the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart.
However, expressing that it is possible to reduce this risk to minimal levels, Bilir outlined some of the advantages that can be achieved by quitting smoking:
-Health problems caused by smoking develop slowly over years. However, positive changes in the body as a result of quitting appear within minutes.
- The first positive change observed in those who quit smoking is felt as normalization of heart rate and blood pressure within 15-20 minutes. Twelve hours after quitting, blood carbon monoxide levels return to normal values.
- In people who quit smoking, the risk of heart attack is cut in half after one year. After 15 years, the risk level drops to that of someone who has never smoked.
TURN RAMADAN INTO AN OPPORTUNITY
Noting that the coincidence of 31 May with Ramadan this year can be viewed as an opportunity for smokers to quit, Prof. Dr. Nazmi Bilir made the following assessment:
"Since Ramadan falls during the summer season, those fasting can abstain from eating and drinking for long hours throughout the day. For extended periods, no smoking occurs. Despite this long duration, thanks to spiritual support, they do not experience any discomfort from not smoking.
In this case, if smokers can remain 'smoke-free' for a few more hours, they will have the opportunity to quit smoking entirely. This opportunity should be used during Ramadan."
BEWARE AFTER IFTAR!
Bilir also pointed out the drawbacks of smoking after the evening iftar meal following a prolonged fasting period, issuing the following warnings:
"After a meal, a significant portion of circulating blood is directed to the abdominal area due to digestion, a condition that has a negative effect on blood flow to the heart.
Since the heart's working rate will increase after a meal, its blood (oxygen) requirement will also increase. If smoking occurs immediately after iftar, the heart's blood circulation becomes impaired, creating a risk of heart attack."
Bilir also reminded those who wish to quit smoking that support is available and urged them to contact smoking cessation clinics or call the ALO 171 Smoking Cessation Hotline for assistance.
