I had a stent put in after a heart attack, can I use nicotine patches to stop smoking?
Hello!
It is important to note that the use of nicotine patches or any form of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) should be discussed with your healthcare provider before use, especially if you have had a recent heart attack and have a stent in place. While quitting smoking is highly recommended for heart health, nicotine can cause vasoconstriction and may have negative effects on your cardiovascular system.
That being said, in general, NRT is considered safer than continuing to smoke cigarettes. Nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, and other forms of NRT can be effective in helping people quit smoking, but they are not risk-free. If you have had a recent heart attack and have a stent in place, your healthcare provider may want to monitor you closely during NRT use to ensure that it is safe for you. They may also recommend additional measures to help you quit smoking, such as behavioral counseling or medication.
Have you tried nicotine patches?