Decrease in heart attacks after smoking is banned

After a city in Colorado imposed a smoking ban in the workplace and public places, medical personnel noticed a significant decrease in the occurrence of heart attacks afflicting its residents. In fact, in the 18 months following the smoking ban, hospital admissions for heart attacks decreased by 27% for city residents, but remained stable for people from the surrounding areas not covered by the smoking ban.

Specialists believe that the decline in cardiac episodes in the first year and a half following the ban is primarily due to a reduction of second-hand smoke in the environment. In Canada, it is estimated that 8,000 non-smokers die prematurely each year because of second-hand smoke.

The Colorado study proves that the cardiovascular health of a community can rapidly benefit from a reduction in cigarette smoke. Therefore, we can hope the smoking ban will have the same positive effects in Quebec.

With these new restrictions on smoking in public places and winter rapidly approaching, many smokers are tempted to quit. To increase your chances of successfully achieving this goal, please consult your pharmacist. Your pharmacist can help you plan a strategy and provide you with all the right tools to face the hardships you will encounter while quitting smoking.

Here’s to your health!