The British Heart Foundation has called for urgent action to be taken to address the issue.
Health experts have called for change as figures show around 40 Brits die every day due to a “preventable” disease. According to the British Heart Foundation (BHF) urgent action is needed now to help reduce the number of smoking-related cardiovascular disease fatalities in the UK.
In an update on its website, the BHF said it was calling on the Government to “urgently progress” the Tobacco and Vapes Bill through Parliament. This bill would mean the Government has the powers to phase out tobacco sales for anyone born on or after January 1, 2009 and to restrict vape flavour descriptions and packaging that appeal to children.
It also aims to expand smokefree places to outside schools, playgrounds and hospitals. The BHF commented: “Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death in the UK, responsible for at least 15,000 cardiovascular deaths annually.
“The BHF warns that without decisive action, tobacco-related ill health will continue to devastate families and communities. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to create a smoke-free generation and curb the rise in youth vaping.”
It added that currently “40 lives are lost daily to smoking-related cardiovascular disease”. The organisation warned that these deaths could continue to rise by around 40 a day if changes aren’t made.
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, chief executive of the BHF, said: “It is shocking that smoking still takes so many lives across the UK, and tough measures must be taken to ensure future generations don’t die early because of tobacco. We urge politicians of all parties to back this Bill and get it enshrined in law quickly so it can help stop more preventable tragedies.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to prevent more families from going through that heartbreak which is why we need to see the Bill passed as a matter of urgency.”
What does smoking do to the heart?
Smoking is a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure. “Smoking seriously harms heart health by making artery walls sticky, which causes fatty deposits to build up and narrow the arteries which raises the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It also increases blood pressure, heart rate and the likelihood of blood clots, while reducing the amount of oxygen the heart and body receive,” the BHF explained.
It added that people living in deprived communities are “significantly more likely” to smoke, which contributes to higher rates of heart disease and premature death. It continued: “Smoking is the single largest driver of health inequalities in England, accounting for up to half the difference in life expectancy between the most and least deprived areas, due to its strong link with cardiovascular disease and cancer, as well as the compounding effects of poverty and stress.”
Help to quit smoking
Via the NHS your GP, pharmacist or health visitor can refer you, or you can phone your local stop smoking service to make an appointment with an adviser. Look up what services are available to you on the NHS website here.
Or you could call a free helpline:
- England – call the free Smokefree National Helpline on 0300 123 1044
- Scotland – call the free Quit Your Way Scotland helpline on 0800 84 84 84
- In Wales – call the free Help Me Quit helpline on 0800 085 2219
- Northern Ireland – call a provider in the town or city where you live. Telephone numbers can be found on the Stop Smoking NI website here