The Effect of Partners on Smoking Cessation Among Patients with Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

Patients with or at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease often continue smoking, despite being medically advised to quit. Comprehensive preventive cardiology interventions, including behavioural strategies and support mechanisms among partners, can be effective in smoking cessation. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of partners on the ability of patients with a high cardiovascular risk who smoke to achieve a smoke-free lifestyle. A retrospective analysis of pre-existing data collected within preventative cardiology programmes (EUROACTION, EUROACTION plus, MyAction Westminster and MyAction Galway) was conducted. The success rate for quitting smoking among patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease and their partners was measured at the end of the programme. A total of 222 patients and their partners attended the initial assessment and the end-of-programme visits. At initial assessment, none of the patients and 55% of the partners met the European goal of smoking abstinence, while at end of the programme, 64% of patients and 75% of partners sustained abstinence. The probability of quitting smoking at 16 weeks was significantly higher (4.76) among couples who tried to quit together (P<0.001). During preventive cardiology programmes, having the support of a partner could help patients to achieve smoking abstinence. Efforts to support patients to quit smoking should include partners where possible.