What is the link between smoking and P.A.D.? 

You may know that smoking is a major cause of heart disease, cancer and lung disease. Smoking is also the number one cause of P.A.D. Studies show that smoking even half a pack of cigarettes per day may increase the risk of having P.A.D. by 30 to 50 percent. 

With every puff, smoking harms your blood vessels. It speeds up the buildup of plaque 

in the artery walls and increases the formation of leg artery blockages. Smoking constricts blood vessels and causes the blood to clot. As a result,  smoking causes P.A.D. to get   worse faster. It increases the chance of having  leg pain (or claudication) even while at rest, losing a foot or a leg due to amputation, or having a heart attack or stroke. As many as one out of two people with P.A.D. who continue to smoke will have a heart attack or stroke or die within 5 years. 

What can quitting smoking do for you? 
Quitting smoking may be the most important life saving step people with P.A.D. can take. And, it is not too late. 
Research shows that people with P.A.D. can lower the risk of heartattack, stroke or death when they quit smoking. Plus, you will enjoy these other health rewards: 

• Your blood pressure will be lower in just a fewdays. 
• You will reduce your risk of foot ulcers, eyeproblems, nerve damage and kidney disease (ifyou have diabetes). 
• You will lower your risk of cancer of themouth, throat, lungs and bladder. 
• In one year after quitting, your blood flow andbreathing will be improved and your coughingand shortness of breath will be reduced. 
• You will protect your children andgrandchildren from second-hand smoke. 
• Best of all, you will live longer and better. 

What can you do to quit smoking for good? 
You may be saying: "I have tried to quit smoking and failed every time. There is no way I can quit." You are not alone. Many long-time smokers feel that way. But each year, millions of smokers try quitting and more and more are quitting for good. There are three reasons for their success:
1. We know a lot more about the best methodsfor quitting smoking.
2. There are medicines that can help you breakthe habit and deal with cravings.
3. They have made up their mind to quit and tostick with it.