Smoking Harm Reduction – A Cardiologist’s Point of View - Victor Gurevich

Despite all the measures taken by the medical community and government policies, smoking continues to be a global problem. Smoking is primarily a tobacco addiction, which is classified by the International Classification of Diseases as a mental, behavioral disorder. Therefore, it can be very difficult for a smoker, especially one with many years of experience, to quit. For heavy smokers, prohibitions don't work; they need a flexible and personalized approach. Harm reduction is a strategy used to minimize the risk to which a person or a society is exposed, and which cannot be eliminated. The tobacco harm reduction concept may be a solution for those patients who are not motivated to quit. Doctors should pay more attention to those patients who do not want to quit smoking. We need to educate the medical and scientific community about new sources of nicotine delivery, in particular, about the concept of tobacco harm reduction. Of course, more research is required in this area. For example, in this university recently started under government grant the study devoted to the influence of cardiovascular risk factors (and among others - smoking) on microcirculation and atherosclerosis. And importantly - smokeless tobacco products should be strictly regulated to minimize their use by young people. Nevertheless, adult tobacco-dependent patients should have an opportunity to switch to modified-risk tobacco products. It means that the regulatory policy should work not only on bans, but also offer alternatives and possible solutions. Supported by research grant # 075-15-2022-1110