Nicotine Dependence and Willingness to Quit Smoking in Vascular Surgery Patients

Most of our vascular patients self-report as nonsmokers. Over half of those who smoke demonstrate willingness to consider quitting within 6 months, which is not dependent on nicotine dependence, previous/planned operation, or symptomatic status. Those who smoke less than 10 cigarettes per day, have fewer past failed attempts to quit, and believe that it is not too late to quit are more likely to consider quitting. Vascular surgeons should be more aware of previous quit attempts and patterns of smoking and be proactive in assisting patients in cessation attempts.