Support from Monkbar Pharmacy and CYC Health Trainers

At Monkbar Pharmacy, we talk to people every day about their heart health—and one of the most powerful things you can do to protect yours is to quit smoking.

Whether you’ve smoked for years or only occasionally, stopping now can dramatically reduce your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and more. And the best part? You don’t have to do it alone.

❤️ How Smoking Affects Your Heart and Blood Pressure

Every time you smoke, your body feels the impact:

  • Nicotine raises your heart rate and blood pressure instantly
  • Carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke reduces the oxygen in your blood, making your heart work harder
  • Smoking damages artery walls, increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke
  • It contributes to the build-up of fatty deposits (atherosclerosis) in your arteries

Even one cigarette a day increases your risk of heart disease. But the moment you stop, your body begins to heal.

⏱️ What Happens When You Quit?

Here’s how your heart begins to recover after you stop smoking:

  • After 20 minutes: Blood pressure and heart rate begin to return to normal
  • After 24 hours: Carbon monoxide levels in your blood drop
  • After 3 months: Circulation and lung function improve
  • After 1 year: Your risk of heart disease is halved

And these benefits only grow over time.

🩺 Quitting Helps Control High Blood Pressure

If you already have high blood pressure (or are at risk), quitting smoking can:

  • Help stabilise your readings
  • Reduce the need for blood pressure medication
  • Lower your risk of stroke, kidney problems, and heart failure

👥 You’re Not Alone: Get Support from CYC Health Trainers

We’re proud to work closely with CYC Health Trainers—a free City of York Council service offering one-to-one support to help you stop smoking and improve your health.

They provide:

  • Personalised stop smoking plans
  • Ongoing motivation and support
  • Guidance on lifestyle changes for better heart health
  • Supply of a vape to use instead of tobacco

📞 You can contact the Health Trainers directly at 01904 553377 or ask our team for a referral.

💬 Ready to Quit? Let’s Talk.

Whether you’re ready to stop today or just thinking about it, we’re here to help. Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make for your heart, your blood pressure—and your future.

📍 Visit us at Monkbar Pharmacy, York
🤝 Ask about CYC Health Trainer support
🗓️ Book your free blood pressure check too!

Quit for your heart. Quit for your health. Quit for you.

You’ve got this—and we’ve got your back.

#QuitSmoking #HeartHealth #LowerBloodPressure #SmokeFreeYork #MonkbarPharmacy #CYCHealthTrainers #NHSStopSmoking