HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

I Was A Smoker For Last 15 Years. What Is The Possibilities Of Getting Heart Attack?

Hello, i began smoking aged 27 and fell into addiction of smoking cannabis joints daily (with tobacco) for 15 years, with a few "breaks". I am now aged 42 and have quit, and am so terrified that i am doomed to get lung cancer . What can i do to try and heal the damage and protect myself from this happening (vitamins, steam lungs?)?, and what are my chances of getting it and should i have regular chest x rays to detect any problems? L
Thu, 2 May 2013
Report Abuse
Rheumatologist 's  Response
Hi

Thanks for your query.

First of all its good that you have left smoking and that should actually relieve your anxiety about getting sick . Anyways the damage done to lungs cannot be reverted back but further damage can be controlled by following a healthy lifestyle , regular aerobic exercise 30 mins daily for at least 5 days a week , doing yoga exercises aimed at increasing the lung capacities , taking a nutritious diet and avoiding any kind of addictions.

Further any symptoms like cough , loss of weight , blood in sputum , breathlessness , repeated lung infections etc should be watched and promptly investigated by a specialist.

Take care .

Dr. Shruti
I find this answer helpful

 1 user finds this helpful

  Anonymous's Response
Anonymous's  Response

Hi.. You are most likely to land up with one of the cancers if you had continued with the habbit.. It is good that you have stopped... Now the chances have reduced.. People who continue to smoke are likely to fall prey to cancers than who have quit.. So do not worry.. You would need evaluation for cancer only if you have persisitent cough, loss of appetite, loss of weight, coughing out blood.. I hope you do not have these symptoms.. Just watch out for these symptoms...

General & Family Physician Dr. Rajath. Pejaver's  Response
Hi ,
Thanks for the query.
Indeed tobacco consumption predisposes to several cancers( lungs , oral mucosa, bladder, etc)
You should consult a physician , get a chest xray, and other routine blood work. You should keep an eye out for symptoms like loss of weight, loss of appetite, worsening cough,breathlessness etc.
thank you.
I find this answer helpful
General & Family Physician Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta's  Response
Hello.Welcome to HCM forum.It is good that you have quit smoking.even after quitting smoking chances for lung cancer and heart attacks persist for many many years.There is no way by which you can undo the damage caused to your lungs and body.Start doing regular exercises and jogging to strengthen your cardio respiratory system.Consult your physician if you develop persistent cough.Thanks and good luck.
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Heart attack


Loading Online Doctors....
I Was A Smoker For Last 15 Years. What Is The Possibilities Of Getting Heart Attack?

Hi Thanks for your query. First of all its good that you have left smoking and that should actually relieve your anxiety about getting sick . Anyways the damage done to lungs cannot be reverted back but further damage can be controlled by following a healthy lifestyle , regular aerobic exercise 30 mins daily for at least 5 days a week , doing yoga exercises aimed at increasing the lung capacities , taking a nutritious diet and avoiding any kind of addictions. Further any symptoms like cough , loss of weight , blood in sputum , breathlessness , repeated lung infections etc should be watched and promptly investigated by a specialist. Take care . Dr. Shruti