More than 50 per cent of men continue smoking despite an increased risk of heart disease, lung cancer, diabetes and other horrors, a recent survey in the UAE revealed. About 48 per cent of men who admitted to smoking in a heart health survey conducted by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, consider quitting due to the increased risk of heart attack.

Lifestyle studies in the UAE note about 24 per cent of men in the country are smokers, mainly males aged between 20 and 39 years. New data from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi shows that in last three years one third of patients treated for a major heart attack at the hospital were smokers or former smokers, majority being men.

Nearly 90 per cent of lung cancer cases were due to smoking. Other long-term damages caused by smoking include an increased risk of stroke and brain damage, respiratory diseases, including asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), eye disease, diabetes and reproductive issues.

"Smoking harms almost all organs of the body and takes away several years of a patient's life," said Dr Zaid Zoumot, Section Head of Pulmonology at the Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. "It is one of the most common causes of preventable death worldwide. In the UAE, people are not only addicted to cigarettes, but they have access to other forms of tobacco too such as sheesha and medwakh, which are equally harmful. This is a growing concern, especially among the youth."

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, the official lung cancer screening center for Abu Dhabi, is raising awareness this month among men about health issues as part of its annual men's health campaign 'MENtion It'. The campaign is encouraging people to adopt healthier lifestyles and visit a doctor to discuss medical concerns or for regular checkups. Patients between the ages of 55 and 75 with a history of smoking cigarettes, sheesha or medwakh, are particularly advised to get screened for lung cancer and heart issues.

"Even more problematic is the lack of awareness on how casual tobacco use can lead to dependency and that even at a young age smoking can rapidly impact health negatively. This is one of the reasons why we are seeing a high number of young people with cancer and heart disease in the UAE," he adds.

Dr Zoumot said smokers are addicted to nicotine in the tobacco, that contains several cancer-causing chemicals. When a person smokes tobacco, they are exposed to various damaging components, including tar that impacts the lung tissue, carbon monoxide that reduces oxygen supply to organs and oxidizing chemicals that damage the heart muscles and blood vessels.

"Nicotine rapidly increases the amount of harmful fats, which include LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood and reduces the amount of HDL or good cholesterol, greatly increasing a smoker's risk of heart disease and stroke. Smoking between one and five cigarettes a day significantly increases the risk of a heart attack," said Dr Zoumot.

Smoking also increases insulin resistance in the body, thereby increasing the chances of type 2 diabetes. Smokers also have more chances to develop respiratory infections than non-smokers.

"Men must also consider the impact of smoking on their reproductive health. Smoking constricts blood vessels and can contribute to erectile dysfunction and fertility issues."

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's Smoking Cessation Program constitutes multidisciplinary team of experts using four-step holistic system to help people quit smoking. "A person who quits smoking will immediately see a change in their health. Within 20 minutes after quitting, their blood pressure and heart rate falls and in a year they will have halved their risk of having a heart attack and lung cancer," said Dr Zoumot.

Tips to help quit smoking are:

Make a plan: A smoker can be more determined to quit and stay smoke-free if aware of reason for quitting, such as your family or risk of diseases. Then the person must work towards cutting down the number of cigarettes.

Lean on support system: Take the support of family and friends to help stay on track while working towards quitting smoking.

Seek medical advice: Consult a physician who can assess ealth and suggest tests, diet and lifestyle changes and medicines to help successfully quit. Join a Smoking Cessation Programme for ongoing support in journey.

Avoid triggers: Routine change can help avoid temptations towards tobacco. If craving kicks in, healthy snack or herbal tea instead can help.

Focus on diet and fitness: Eating nutritious foods and exercise regimen can help keep energy levels up, reduce stress and prevent withdrawal symptoms.