Smokers who have heart failure can automatically eliminate a major source of damage to their heart by quitting. Each puff of nicotine from tobacco smoke temporarily increases heart rate and blood pressure, even as less oxygen-rich blood circulates through the body. Smoking also leads to clumping or stickiness in the blood vessels feeding the heart. People who quit smoking are more likely to have their heart failure symptoms improve.

Learn how you can quit smoking



This content is reviewed regularly. Last updated 03/18/09.