The risk for premature cardiovascular disease: Smoking. Part I

Many smokers have quit and many more would like to. Numerous techniques have been used, but most are of limited effectiveness. Simply by talking to his patient, offering encouragement and practical advice, the physician can accomplish much. Among British men ages 50-59 who were identified as being at relatively high risk for cardiovascular disease, 3 to 5 15-minute talks with a physician over a 6-month period helped achieve a much greater reduction in cigarette smoking than was seen in another group identified as being at risk but then left alone (i.e., normal care).