Smoking and the heart. Current smoking cessation programs

Smoking is the main isolated cause of preventable premature morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Smoking has been associated with a substantial rise in the risk of infarction through three main mechanisms: 1) the formation of carboxyhemoglobin and increase in hematocrit and blood viscosity, which produce carbon monoxide; 2) the action of nicotine, which releases adrenaline and noradrenaline, and 3) the absorption of a large amount of free radicals, which are involved in many prothrombotic and atherogenic mechanisms. Therefore, the offensive against smoking has produced an almost immediate effect on the population's health. Fortunately, there is a wide spectrum of effective interventions for smoking cessation, which can increase the possibility of success by up to 30%: minimal advice or brief intervention, psychological treatment and drug therapy. (C) 2010 Elsevier Espana, S.L. and SEA. All rights reserved.