Heartline Magazine July-September 2003 Tobacco - A hazard to good health Tobacco smoke is made up of thousands of components, the main ones being nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide. Nicotine is the addictive agent in tobacco. Tar can cause cancer and bronchial disorders. Carbon Monoxide contributes to heart disease. Effects of smoking A significant increase in heart rate is one of the effects of smoking. Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer (related to 90% of all lung cancer cases). Smoking is also related to 75% of chronic bronchitis cases and 80% of emphysema cases. Smokers have a 70% higher rate of coronary heart disease. Nicotine addiction Tobacco use can lead to a physical and psychological dependence on nicotine, particularly in cigarette smokers. People who are physically and psychologically dependent on tobacco suffer withdrawal reaction when they stop using it. A decreased heart rate, irritability, headaches and a craving for nicotine are some of the withdrawal signs. Public smoking Evidence indicates that exposure to a smoke-filled environment can affect healthy non-smokers. Evidence sug­gests that exposure to environmental tobacco smoke increases the risk of lung cancer in otherwise healthy non­smokers. "Passive smoking" may also cause heart disease. Quitting smoking Although the majority of smokers want to reduce or stop smoking, at­tempts to do so often fail. Quitting is possible, however: the majority of peo­ple who have ever smoked give up smoking in later life. Most people give up several times before finally stopping for good.   Home | About Us | Contact Us | CDP&R | ECC | Our Partners | Heartline | Become a Member | Become a Volunteer | Heart Disease | Stroke | Medication | Mission Statement | Aims & Objectives