Summary
Quit Tobacco is one of the health behaviors outlined in Life’s Essential 8™, the key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health, as defined by the American Heart Association. Better cardiovascular health helps lower the risk for heart disease, stroke and other major health problems. Key details listed below.
Educate Yourself
The first step to quitting tobacco/nicotine products is to understand the risks and health effects for you and your family.
- Heart Disease: Nicotine and tobacco can raise blood pressure and increase heart rate. It can cause blood vessels to narrow, increasing the risk of heart attacks.
- Stroke: Nicotine and tobacco can damage blood vessels. It can increase the risk of having a stroke by causing blood clots or blocking blood flow to the brain.
- Diabetes: Nicotine and tobacco can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. For people with diabetes, it can also make it harder to manage blood sugar levels.
- Cancer: Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer.
- Depression and Anxiety: Nicotine and tobacco can lead to mood swings and heightened anxiety when their effects wear off.
- Premature Aging: Smoking can cause memory problems and dementia later in life and premature skin damage, like wrinkles.
Make a Plan to Quit
You’re more likely to quit tobacco for good if you prepare. Start by creating a plan that fits your lifestyle.
- Set a quit date within the next 7 days. It’s best to pick a weekday that doesn’t look like it will be too stressful.
- Choose a method: cold turkey or gradually.
- Decide if you need help from a health care professional, nicotine replacement or medicine.
- Prepare for your quit day by planning how to deal with cravings and urges.
- Quit on your quit day.
Don't miss our Tips for Success found here and the Fact Sheet infographic and other multimedia on the right column.
How to lower your risk for cardiovascular disease
- Know your numbers and follow the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8™
- Health Behaviors: Eat better, be active, quit tobacco, get healthy sleep.
- Health Factors: Manage weight, control cholesterol, manage blood sugar, manage blood pressure.
Please consult with your physician or healthcare team about what is best for your health.
Helpful Links:
- Statements & Guidelines | Statistics
- Embargo and Recording Policies
- Images | General B-roll and Animations
- Association Newsroom | @HeartNews
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries and American Heart Association Expert Perspective:214-706-1173; AHAcommunications@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
