Managing Risk

Smoking Cessation

Each patient at Northwest Tennessee Cardiology Clinic is asked about his/her smoking history. If active smoking is identified, then he/she is advised - strongly - to quit. How this might be accomplished can be multifaceted as this is a strong addiction. First the patient must want to quit and the first thing that is offered is support. Each patient will be counseled on a strategy that offers the best chance of long-term success. This may include nicotine substitution methods, pharmacologic treatment, or some combination. In the end, the idea is to decrease the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).

Benefits of Quitting Smoking handout.

Obesity

Obesity is a chronic medical condition - not just a cosmetic consideration. It is defined for adults as a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 30. It can lead to many medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. An adult is considered overweight if the BMI is between 25 - 30.

Proper diet and exercise are the cornerstones of attaining a "healthy weight" - which may not be your ideal weight. Even a 5 - 10% reduction in initial weight and maintaining that weight, will have long-term health benefits.

Weight gain can be caused by many medical conditions such as hypothyroidism ("low thyroid"), and can be associated with many medications such as those used to treat hypertension and diabetes.

Health Risks of Being Overweight handout