Smoking and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk

Smoking is the most important modifiable risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD); give priority to cessation or reduction of smoking for both primary and secondary prevention of ASCVDVisseren, 2021. Advise patients to avoid second-hand smoke exposure.

Smoking cessation can be associated with weight gain; educate and assist the patient to minimise weight gain and emphasise that the cardiovascular benefits of stopping smoking far outweigh any disadvantages such as weight gain.

Useful resources to help patients stop smoking include Quitline (13 78 48) and the Heart Foundation website. For information on assessment and therapy for smoking cessation, see Smoking cessation.