National Day of Combate to Tobacco alerts to a risk that usually stays in the background: smoking increases the chance of coronary disease and stroke by two to four times. When we talk about cigarettes, lung cancer is usually the first concern. But there is another organ that feels the effects of to…
National Day of Combate to Tobacco alerts to a risk that usually stays in the background: smoking increases the chance of coronary disease and stroke by two to four times. When we talk about cigarettes, lung cancer is usually the first concern. But there is another organ that feels the effects of tobacco: the heart. Smoking increases the risk of coronary disease and stroke by two to four times, according to the National Cancer Institute (INCA). The alert gains strength on the eve of the National Day of Combate to Tobacco, on August 29. Data released by INCA for the 2026 campaign estimate that 20.4 million people in Brazil are affected by tobacco and its derivatives. Among adolescents aged 13 to 17, 18.5% have already tried cigarettes. For cardiologist Ludmila Gonçalves Freitas, of Clínica Haya Abdalla, the problem goes far beyond the lungs. The cigarette interferes with the circulatory system and is among the risk factors that can be modified to prevent cardiovascular events. "The cigarette does not only attack the lungs. It interferes with blood vessels, favors the formation of plaques and increases the risk of problems like heart attack and stroke. That's why, when we think about cardiovascular prevention, quitting smoking is one of the most important measures," she explains. The experience in the clinic also led the doctor to deepen her knowledge of tobacco cessation. Given the frequency with which she found the habit among patients who suffered a heart attack, Ludmila sought specialized training in structured methodologies to help those who want to quit smoking. "Perceiving that many of my patients with heart attacks had smoking as a modifiable risk factor motivated me to seek effective tools to help them quit," comments the cardiologist. The proposal is to go beyond generic guidance to simply 'quit smoking'. The process may involve behavioral changes, professional follow-up and, when indicated, medication treatment. The strategy should consider the reality and difficulties of each person. "It's common for people to think they smoke little and therefore don't need to worry. But there is no safe relationship with cigarettes. The sooner a person quits, the better. And those who have smoked for many years can also benefit from interrupting the habit," says Ludmila. Another important point is not to wait for a symptom to appear to make a decision. The heart may be affected even when the person feels well. And reducing the number of cigarettes does not mean eliminating the risk. For those who want to quit, where do they start? The cardiologist advises some steps that can help in this process: - Choose a date to quit and prepare for it. - Identify the moments of greatest desire to smoke, such as after meals, during coffee or in situations of stress. - Temporarily change some habits associated with smoking, especially in the first days. - Seek professional help. Nicotine dependence can make it harder to quit alone, and the SUS offers treatment for those who want to abandon tobacco addiction. - Do not consider a relapse as a failure. It may be part of the process and it is important to retake the attempt with adequate guidance. "Quitting smoking is a health decision, not a matter of lack of willpower. Dependence can make the process difficult and that's why proper guidance makes a difference. The important thing is not to give up trying," emphasizes the doctor.
The National Day of Tobacco Combat was created in 1986 to mobilize the population about the impacts of smoking. In 2026, the INCA highlights the importance of care and support for those who want to abandon the habit. About the Haya Abdalla Clinic
Inaugurated in March 2026, the Haya Abdalla Clinic brings specialized care in geriatrics, cardiology and psychiatry, with an individualized care proposal and attention to the different needs of each patient. Led by Dr. Ludmila Carrara, the clinic unites family medical tradition and attentive listening to the patient. The Haya Abdalla Clinic is located at Rafael Marino Neto Street, 600, in the UMC complex, room 103, 1st floor, Jardim Karaíba, in Uberlândia. Telephone/WhatsApp: (34) 99681-2100.
