( Hospitalized patients who undergo struc...)Intense Cessation Treatment Proves Successful in High-Risk Smokers,Health

Hospitalized patients who undergo structured treatment to quit smoking are significantly more likely to remain// smoke-free, says a new study. A new research suggests that high-risk smokers with acute cardiovascular disease are more likely to quit smoking when treated with an intensive smoking cessation program.

“Smoking is the greatest risk factor for patients with heart disease,” said author Syed M. Mohiuddin, MD, FCCP, Creighton University Cardiac Center, Omaha, NE, “and our study showed that intense treatment intervention not only succeeded in getting patients to quit smoking, but it reduced hospitalizations and mortality, as well.”

From January 2001 to December 2002, Dr. Mohiuddin and colleagues gathered 209 patients who were admitted to the coronary care unit at the Creighton University Cardiac Center, suffering from unstable angina, heart attack, or severe coronary heart disease. All of the patients were self-identified smokers and agreed to undergo smoking cessation intervention. Patients were then randomized into two groups: the intensive intervention group (109) and the usual care group (100).

Prior to hospital discharge, all patients received approximately 30 minutes of counseling and were given self-help materials. Treatment in the intervention group also included a minimum 12 weeks of behavior modification counseling, coupled with individualized pharmacotherapy. This included nicotine replacement therapy and/or bupropion at no cost to the patient. However, patients in the usual care group did not receive anything beyond the initial inpatient counseling session.

“The intensive component of tobacco cessation therapy was started while patients were hospitalized but continued after release,” said Dr. Mohiuddin, “making the outpatient portion of this program the most significant element.”

All participants returned at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, during which follow-up medical histories and expired c
'"/>




Page: 1 2
Related medicine news :

1. Intense Fight Against Polio In India Gets Results
2. Drinkers Intensed to get Drunk
3. Anticipation Could Have An Intense Effect On Memory
4. Yearning -the Most Intense Emotion in Bereavement
5. Direct To Home: Television Provides Powerful Fillip to Smoking Cessation Campaigns.
6. Smoking Cessation Would Be Beneficial For the Recovery of Alcoholics
7. Smoking Ban Lights Up Smoking-Cessation Initiatives
8. Cessation of blood supply to cancer cells may curtail spread, novel research
9. Is Nicotine Lozenge A Safe Smoking Cessation Product?
10. Teen Smoking Cessation Programs Improve Quit Rates
11. Smoking Cessation Therapy May be Harmful for ICU Patients