Benefits of smoking cessation

Smoking affects cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk through multiple biologic mechanisms, including inflammatory and hemostatic factors as well as the development of atheroma. Smoking cessation rapidly reduces the risk of CVD and death in a wide range of populations; previous studies may have under-estimated the benefits, as most rely on self-reported smoking status at one point in time only. Smoking cessation also considerably increases life expectancy and quality of life. Early studies were mostly confined to men in Western populations, but recent studies have confirmed that the risk of smoking (and benefits of quitting) appears similar in low-and middle-income countries and in women. Given the high prevalence of smoking and increasing incidence of CVD, the public health benefits from quitting are likely to be substantial in most parts of the world, and this should remain a top public health priority.