2010 Hong Kong Reference Framework for Hypertension Care for ...

Chapter 8.Component 3: Clinical Care Of Adults With Hypertension8.2.1.6 Stop smokingRecommendationsEncourage all hypertensive patients to stop smoking.ASupporting evidence●●●●Smoking cessation is the most effective, immediate way toreduce cardiovascular risk. The pressor effect of smokingcould be partly responsible for the major increase in stroke andcoronary disease among smokers, as well as for the apparentresistance to antihypertensive therapy 18,19 .Smoking exerts a major pressor effect on ambulatory bloodpressure monitoring 20 . The use of smokeless tobacco and cigarsmay also raise blood pressure 21 . Smoking cessation could reducethe overall cardiovascular risk as there was a clear dose-responserelationship between the number of cigarettes smoked per dayand risk of developing both coronary heart disease and stroke 22 .1++1++2++If assistance is needed, please refer to Appendix 1 for more information onsmoking cessation services.13 HK Reference Framework for Hypertension Care for Adults in Primary Care Settings