Smokers who exercise reduce risk of heart attack

This news release from the University of Texas could be very helpful for those who want to quit smoking but just cannot do so right away.

AUSTIN, Texas—February 8, 2006

Even if you cannot stop smoking, you can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease by exercising regularly, according to a University of Texas at Austin study.

Examining otherwise healthy sedentary smokers and physically active smokers, Dr. Hiro Tanaka, an exercise physiologist in the College of Education, discovered that the smokers who exercised had increased blood flow to the legs.

Cigarette smoking causes a distinct, immediate decrease in blood flow to the legs because blood vessels going to the legs become constricted. Over time, this can lead to peripheral artery disease and increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, amputation or death..Full news release