Jerry,

I'm glad that you're doing so well after heart surgery.  Definitely do not start smoking again.  There are several reasons.  The vessels used to bypass the blockages are more vulnerable to the formation of new blockages, and tobacco could accelerate this process.  In addition, if there were minor blockages in other vessels that were not bypassed, then again tobacco would only contribute to to these minor problems, and possibly make them major problems in the future.  Tobacco use could also accelerate other vascular disease outside of the heart such as the legs, abdominal aorta, carotid arteries, and brain.  In addition, the use of cigarettes would contribute further damage to your lungs, which has a direct effect on heart function. 

You're 75 years old, which by today's standards is not old!  You've been given an opportunity to live longer with better quality, so why not do everything you can to stay healthy and live longer.  Please take advantage of the different sections of this website to learn more about eating healthy and taking care of yourself.

Thank you.

Martin Cane, M.D.