Factors Affecting Smoking Cessation After Acute Myocardial Infarction

Persistent smoking after acute myocardial infarction is associated with an increased risk of recurrent cardiovascular events. Our aim was to determine the changes in smoking habits in patients after acute myocardial infarction and evaluate the factors affecting smoking cessation.

A total of 322 patients who had an acute myocardial infarction while smoking were included in the study. Participants were asked to fill out a 30-question survey. According to smoking status, 2 groups were identified, those who quit smoking (n = 155) and those who continued smoking (n = 167).

The rate of smoking cessation among study participants was 48.2% (n = 155). Most of smoker participants had the intention to quit smoking (n = 124, 74.2%). The most common barriers for smoking cessation were nicotine withdrawal symptoms and the cessation rate was over 3 times higher in those with low nicotine dependence (P < .01). Weight gain was another common problem seen in 163 (50.6%) participants; among which the cessation rate was relatively low (43.6%). A total of 231 (71.7%) participants got an advice from their doctor to quit smoking and the probability of quitting was around 5 times higher in this group (P < .01). A total of 174 (54%) participants stated that they were considering quitting whenever they see the pictorial health warnings on cigarette packs and the probability of quitting was doubled in this group (P < .01).

High number of patients continue on smoking after acute myocardial infarction. The most common barriers for smoking cessation are nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Doctors should play an active role in helping the patient quit smoking. Strict regulations of tobacco control can be very helpful in this regard.