Smoking causes sticky blood

Within ten minutes of inhaling cigarette smoke, your blood becomes sticky. This increases the risk of dangerous clots which can lead to a catastrophic heart attack.

Facts about smoking and sticky blood

• Within ten minutes of inhaling cigarette smoke, your blood becomes sticky.

• Sticky blood can lead to blood clots and catastrophic heart attack, even in your 40s or 30s.

• Even smoking one cigarette a day or smoking occasionally significantly increases your risk of dying from heart disease.

• Stopping smoking reduces your risk of heart attack and heart disease. Within 2-3 months of quitting, your blood is less sticky and your risk of heart attack continues to fall over time.

• Stopping smoking is the best thing you can do for your health. The best way to stop smoking is with support from Quitline (13 7848) and with stop smoking medications, like the nicotine patch and gum. No matter how many times you've tried to quit, Quit is here to help.

Whether or not you're ready to quit, we're here to help (13 7848)

Quitline counsellors can offer you free advice and support to help you stop smoking. They will work with you to help you build and keep up your motivation, create a plan that works for you, and guide and encourage you along the way. Quitline counsellors can also support you if you are using vapes to stop smoking. 

There are many ways to get in touch with Quitline 13 7848. Hit the button below for more detail: 

Please note, this information is for general use only.  Please consult your health professional for further advice.  

If you would like to provide feedback, please contact quit@quit.org.au 

Last updated March 2024