District smokers who call 800-QUIT-NOW will receive free nicotine patches, lozenges and counseling.

In observance of American Heart Month, the American Lung Association of DC (ALADC) is urging District smokers to quit in order to reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease caused by smoking. According to research from the World Health Organization, (WHO) the number of heart disease fatalities in the United States could be halved if “one in two smokers in the United States stopped smoking.” In fact, within one year of quitting smoking, the risk of heart attack is cut in half. Tobacco smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke are among the top six major independent and preventable risk factors for coronary heart disease and has been named the leading preventable cause of disease and death by the U.S. Surgeon General.

The seriousness of tobacco-related diseases has led to the District’s smoke-free laws and the launch of the DC Tobacco Free Families Campaign, a project of ALADC, the DC Cancer Consortium, and the DC Health Department to reduce tobacco use prevalence in the District.

“Smokers inhale hundreds of poisons, including carbon monoxide, that can damage their heart and lungs, says Rolando Andrewn, CEO of ALADC. “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, coronary heart disease and stroke are primarily caused by smoking and are the first and third leading causes of death in the United States. Avoiding tobacco, exercising regularly, and eating healthy can dramatically reduce the risk for developing heart disease. Our job at ALADC is to provide District smokers with evidence-based treatments to help them quit for good.”

DC residents seeking help to quit smoking can call the District’s free Quitline, 800 QUIT NOW (784-8669), to receive free nicotine patches, lozenges and counseling with a Certified Tobacco Dependence Treatment Specialist. Clients will also be able to receive free carbon monoxide screening, both before and after quitting, to demonstrate the body’s immediate improvement in carrying oxygen to the heart. Carbon monoxide is one of the 250 deadly poisons in tobacco smoke that robs the body of oxygen and makes the heart have to work harder. Carbon monoxide levels approach those of non-smokers within 24 hours of quitting.

Toxins in the blood from smoking tobacco contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, a progressive hardening and scarring of the artery wall. Inflammation of the artery wall and the development of blood clots can obstruct blood flow and cause heart attacks or strokes. Inhaling tobacco smoke produces several effects in the body that can lead stroke and other major cardiovascular issues Secondhand smoke exposure also causes heart problems, contributing to nearly 70,000 premature deaths from heart and blood vessel disease each year.