What perception and knowledge about smoking have patients included in a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Abstract

Background: Half of smokers will die of an illness related to smoking. The habitual consumption of cigarettes is attributed to 30% of cardiovascular accidents. For this reason, smoking(SMK) represents one of the main coronary risk factors. The patients who continue SMK after an acute coronary episode is not negligible, and relapse is frequent. The Smoking Subunits within the Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs(CRP)can facilitate the control of this drug dependence. Education is a basic step for prevention and SMK cessation. Aim: To evaluate the knowledge about SMK of patients in a CRP. Method: Observational study. Patients referred to the CRP who carried out a questionnaire on knowledge of SMK of the Spanish Society of Cardiology with several items:symptoms, treatment, recommendations, strategies, benefits of smoking cessation and the influence on cardiovascular diseases. Descriptive statistics were used. Result: 60 questionnaires were analyzed.90% of patients consider SMK a chronic disease with treatment. 40% believe that the treatments are effective.85% believe that we must take the positive decision to quit and include healthy habits. 90% think that passive smokers suffer from eye irritation and cough. 70% think that a balanced diet, exercise and a home smoke-free are recommended.80% think that SMK influences the aging of the skin, infarction, sudden death and fatigue.80% believe that a good strategy is to set a date. 95% think that SMK increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in the long term.70% know its physiopathological effects. Conclusion: The majority of patients included in a CRP have adequate knowledge about SMK. Tobacco education should be emphasized towards primary prevention.