Smoking cessation strategies for the cardiac patient.
Studies involving subjects attempting to discontinue cigarette smoking reveal that long-term success rates remain disappointingly low--in the range of 10 to 33 percent at 1 year. No single method or drug has proved to be a panacea. Serious commitment by the patient is of paramount importance in achieving long-term success. The physician is in a unique position to initiate a patient's attempted cessation, reinforce a patient's resolve, and offer support during the endeavor. Clonidine appears to decrease craving and nicotine gum decreases withdrawal symptoms in many patients.
Heart Diseases↗