Global tobacco surveys: information for action by cardiologists

Critical to health promotion is surveillance of tobacco use that is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The objective of this paper is to analyze information from global tobacco surveys as relevant for CVD prevention and, hence, for cardiologists implying their role in clinical and policy settings for advancing tobacco control. This article uses MPOWER strategy as a framework to discuss information available from The Global Tobacco Surveillance System (GTSS) established in 1998. Data underline the need for cardiologists to 1) step up their efforts in promoting and providing cessation services in clinical settings; 2) become tobacco control advocates and support policy implementation in their countries; 3) raise patient and community awareness of harm caused by tobacco use and SHS exposure to health; 4) undertake policy relevant research where required; and 5) support national governments in effective implementation of provisions of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).