title: Smoking cessation strategies for the cardiac patient.
abstract: Studies involving subjects attempting to discontinue cigarette smoking reveal that long-term success rates remain disappointingly low--in the range of 10 to 33 percent at 1 year. No single method or drug has proved to be a panacea. Serious commitment by the patient is of paramount importance in achieving long-term success. The physician is in a unique position to initiate a patient's attempted cessation, reinforce a patient's resolve, and offer support during the endeavor. Clonidine appears to decrease craving and nicotine gum decreases withdrawal symptoms in many patients.
authors.forename: B B
authors.initials: BB
authors.lastname: Okel
mesh_terms: D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008722:Methods; D000074606:Smoking Prevention