The Effect of Quitting Smoking on the Success of Heart Surgery

Smoking and tobacco use is a factor that directly affects the long-term outcomes of our patients who undergo heart surgery, yet it is entirely within the patient’s control. In this article I will explain the effect of quitting smoking on the success of surgery.

The Effect of Smoking on the Vessels and on Wound Healing

The chemicals in tobacco smoke directly irritate the vessel wall, cause the vessels to narrow (spasm) and reduce blood flow to the tissues; this adversely affects the healing of both the grafts (bypass vessels) and the surgical incision. Wound infection and healing problems are seen more frequently in patients who continue to smoke.

What Happens If Smoking Continues After Surgery?

A large study with long-term follow-up showed that in patients who did not quit smoking after bypass surgery the risk of death remained markedly higher than in patients who quit; this difference becomes even more pronounced over the years. Continuing to smoke also increases the risk that a new bypass, or the heart’s own vessel, will become blocked again.

Changes in the Body After Quitting Smoking

In the first days after quitting smoking, blood pressure and pulse begin to approach normal; within weeks, lung function and circulation improve markedly. This process of recovery contributes directly to the healthy nourishment of the grafts and tissues after surgery; for this reason, surgery creates a powerful opportunity and motivation for many of our patients to quit smoking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I quit before or after the operation? The ideal is to quit before the operation; however, if you have not yet quit, the period after surgery is also a valuable opportunity, and it is not too late.

Is it enough to cut down on smoking? No, quitting completely is the only effective way to eliminate the adverse effects on vascular health.

I am finding it hard to quit, can I get help? Yes; we can assess options such as nicotine replacement therapy, medication support and smoking cessation counselling together with you.

Conclusion

Quitting smoking is one of the most powerful factors directly affecting the long-term success of your heart surgery, and it is entirely within your control. Surgery offers a strong opportunity to begin this change.

You can make an appointment for support during your process of quitting smoking.

References

1. van Domburg RT, Meeter K, van Berkel DF, et al. Smoking Cessation Reduces Mortality after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: A 20-Year Follow-Up Study. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2000;36(3):878-883.