Changes in smoking habits in men under 65 years after myocardial infarction and coronary insufficiency.

Of 370 men under 65 years with acute myocardial infarction, 74 per cent were smokers at the time of hospital admission. When interviewed up to 2 years later, the proportion of smokers among the 296 survivors had fallen to 44 per cent. The number smoking more than 20 cigarettes a day fell from 137 (37%) to 18 (6%), and 38 of the former group gave up completely. At least half the survivors were able to make some reduction in their smoking. In a smaller group of 59 patients with acute coronary insufficiency, the percentage of smokers dropped from 75 per cent to 60 per cent.