Media Release
30 May 2018
Tobacco use a contributing factor in heart disease
Tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure contribute to approximately two million deaths from heart disease and stroke
worldwide each year.
The Heart Foundation and Action on Smoking and Health New Zealand (ASH) are supporting ‘World Smokefree Day’ on Thursday
31 May.
The campaign highlights the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocates for effective policies to reduce
tobacco consumption.
Heart Foundation Heart Healthcare Spokesperson, Ben Youdan says many smokers are unaware of the link between tobacco and
heart disease.
“People don’t realise smoking is responsible for over 1,500 Kiwi deaths from heart disease and stroke each year. Smokers
are four times more likely to die of heart disease than a non-smoker. The good news is that quitting is the single best
thing they can do for their heart health. The risk halves within a year of going smokefree,” Mr Youdan explains.
The Heart Foundation is involved in a range of health promotion activities that target the risk factors for heart disease which includes
smoking.
Heart Foundation Chief Executive, Tony Duncan says the Heart Foundation is proud to support ‘World Smokefree Day’.
“Tobacco is the number one contributing factor in heart disease and so this campaign aims to highlight the negative
impact of tobacco on cardiovascular health. We have information, tips and resources on our website for smokers who want
to quit,” Mr Duncan says.
The global tobacco epidemic kills more than seven million people each year, of which two million are a result of heart
disease and stroke caused by smoking.
For more information visit heartfoundation.org.nz/wellbeing/managing-risk/stop-smoking
Ends
Heart Foundation at a glance:
Heart disease is New Zealand’s single biggest killer, claiming the lives of more than 6,000 New Zealanders every year –
that’s one person every 90 minutes.
The Heart Foundation funds leading-edge research and specialist training for cardiologists, while our education,
prevention and support programmes address heart disease head-on in the community.
Smoking and Heart Health
•Smoking is the single most preventable cause of heart disease.
•People who smoke have double the risk of heart attack of non-smokers, and 20 times the risk of angina.
•If you smoke you are four times more likely to die of heart disease than a non-smoker.
•Within five years of quitting, an ex-smokers risk of having a half attack or stroke is halved. Within 5-15 years it
reduces to that of someone who never smoked.
•For help and support quitting smoking call the Quitline on 0800 778 778