Most Men Unwilling to Quit Smoking Despite Heart Attack Risk

New data from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi highlights the need for men to act now to improve health

Just 48 percent of men who admitted to smoking in a recent heart health survey commissioned by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, an integral part of Mubadala Health, say that they would consider quitting due to the increased risk of heart attack caused by the habit. 

Smoking is a major public health issue worldwide, and is more prominent among men than women. Several lifestyle studies in the UAE reveal that about 24 percent of men in the country are smokers, with the highest prevalence among those between the ages of 20 and 39 years of age. 

New data from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi shows that a third of all patients treated for a major heart attack at the hospital in the last three years were smokers or former smokers, with a majority of them being men. Nearly 90 percent of lung cancer cases seen at the hospital are also caused by smoking. Other long-term effects of smoking include an increased risk of stroke and brain damage, respiratory diseases including asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), eye disease, diabetes and reproductive issues. 

“Smoking harms almost all organs of the body and takes away several years of a patient’s life. It is one of the most common causes of preventable death worldwide. In the UAE, people are not only addicted to cigarettes, but they have access to other forms of tobacco such as sheesha and medwakh, which are equally harmful. This is a growing concern especially among the youth,” says Dr. Zaid Zoumot, Section Head of Pulmonology at the Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, which is designated as the official lung cancer screening center for Abu Dhabi, is raising awareness about health issues among men as part of its annual men’s health campaign ‘MENtion It’ this month. The public is being encouraged to adopt healthier lifestyles and visit a doctor to discuss medical concerns and for regular checkups. Patients between the ages of 55and 75 with a history of heavy smoking cigarettes, sheesha or medwakh are, in particular, being advised to get screened for lung cancer. 

“Even more problematic is the lack of awareness on how casual tobacco use can lead to dependency and that even at a young age smoking can rapidly negatively impact health. This is one of the reasons why we are seeing a high number of young people with cancer and heart disease in the UAE,” he adds.

Explaining how smoking can cause serious medical conditions, Dr. Zoumot says that people get addicted to nicotine in the tobacco, which contains several cancer-causing chemicals. When a person smokes tobacco, they are exposed to damaging components including tar that affects the lung tissue, carbon monoxide that reduces oxygen supply to the organs and oxidizing chemicals that damage the heart muscles and blood vessels. 

“Nicotine rapidly increases the amount of harmful fats, which include LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood and reduces the amount of HDL or good cholesterol, greatly increasing a smoker’s risk of heart disease and stroke. Regularly smoking between one and five cigarettes a day significantly increases the risk of a heart attack,” says Dr. Zoumot.

Additionally, he says, smoking increases the amount of insulin resistance in the body, increasing the chances of type 2 diabetes. Smokers are also more prone to respiratory infections than non-smokers. 

“Men must also consider the impact of smoking on their reproductive health. Smoking constricts blood vessels and can contribute to erectile dysfunction and fertility issues.”

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Smoking Cessation Program has a multidisciplinary team of experts that employ a four-step holistic system to help smokers quit. Patients have a comprehensive health check, which includes their smoking history and tests to check for smoking-related diseases and lung age. If they fulfil criteria for lung cancer screening, a Low dose screening CT of the lungs will be performed. A customized plan to help them quit smoking is created based on their results, and they also receive behavioral, pharmacological and psychological support. After they have successful quit, the team continues to monitor the patient’s progress with regular follow-ups to prevent relapse.

“A person who quits smoking will immediately see a change in their health. Within 20 minutes after quitting, their blood pressure and heart rate falls and in a year they will have halved their risk of having a heart attack and lung cancer. Every year of not smoking increases lung capacity, brain function and physical ability, and their life expectancy. It is never too late to quit smoking and control risk factors with regular medical checkups,” concludes Dr. Zoumot.

Five Ways to Quit Smoking

1. Create a Quit Plan – You’ll be more inclined to quit and stay smoke-free if you know your reason for quitting, such as your family and risk of diseases. Then pick a date and work towards cutting down the number of cigarettes.
   
   
2. Lean on loved ones – Take the support of family and friends to keep you on track as you work towards quitting. Divert your attention by calling or meeting or organizing an activity with them when the urge strikes. 
   
   
3. Seek medical advice – Consult a physician who will be able to assess your health and suggest tests, diet and lifestyle changes and medicines that can help you to successfully quit. Join a Smoking Cessation Program for ongoing support in your journey.
   
   
4. Avoid triggers – Change your routine to avoid temptations that make you crave tobacco. If you do have a craving, try having a healthy snack or herbal tea instead. 
   
   
5. Focus on diet and fitness – Eating nutritious foods and having an exercise regimen will help keep your energy levels up, reduce stress and prevent withdrawal symptoms. 

For more information or to request an appointment at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, call 800 8 CCAD (2223), visit www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae or download the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi app.