Smoking Cessation

For the time period January 2008–December 2008, 94% of eligible heart attack survivors at Strong Memorial Hospital received referrals for smoking cessation counseling prior to discharge.

Smoking is a modifiable risk factor for heart disease. National guidelines strongly recommend smoking counseling to help heart attack survivors who smoke to quit smoking (National Cancer Institute (NCI) Prevention and Cessation of Cigarette Smoking: Control of Tobacco Use). Tobacco Cessation Guidelines from the United States Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) provide helpful tips on smoking cessation for patients.