Contact: Beth Casteel, bcasteel@acc.org, 202-375-6275

Washington, DC (November 17, 2011)— CardioSmart, the American College of Cardiology’s nationwide initiative to improve cardiovascular health, is encouraging smokers to make a plan to quit smoking today as part of  the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout.
 
Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of Americans, and tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States. CardioSmart is a comprehensive program that provides everyday strategies for heart-healthy living that empowers patients and consumers to take ownership of their lifestyle choices and medical treatment. CardioSmart, along with the Great American Smokeout, provides smokers with the tools and support needed to develop a successful quitting strategy. CardioSmart.org smoking cessation resources include the opportunity to sign up for the National Cancer Institute’s SmokefreeTXT program.
 
Smoking cessation is one of the four pillars of Million Hearts, the Department of Health and Human Services’ initiative to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes over the next five years. The ACC, a partner in Million Hearts, has pledged to employ its PINNACLE Registry—the nation’s largest outpatient database—to help monitor Million Hearts’ progress  and to provide feedback to help identify the best ways to reach all four goals. The PINNACLE Registry collects data on many patient interactions include smoking cessation status and consulting.
 
“One of the most important things clinicians can do to reduce heart disease and improve health is to encourage patients to quit smoking,” said Jack Lewin, MD, CEO of the American College of Cardiology. “Quitting smoking is a difficult process that has a dramatic positive impact on heart health. Collaborative efforts of all the organizations involved in Million Hearts will help people take positive steps toward healthier, more productive lives and help Million Hearts surpass its goal of preventing a million heart attacks and strokes." 
 
For more information about the CardioSmart National Health Initiative, please visit www.cardiosmart.org.

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The American College of Cardiology is transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health through continuous quality improvement, patient-centered care, payment innovation and professionalism. The College is a 39,000-member nonprofit medical society comprised of physicians, surgeons, nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists and practice managers, and bestows credentials upon cardiovascular specialists who meet its stringent qualifications. The College is a leader in the formulation of health policy, standards and guidelines, and is a staunch supporter of cardiovascular research. The ACC provides professional education and operates national registries for the measurement and improvement of quality care. More information about the association is available online at www.cardiosource.org/ACC.

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