PRODUCT WATCH ROUNDUP We’ve added new information to ASH Wales Product Watch about nicotine products that may be less familiar. Pouchless nicotine pods have a UK-facing retail listing: these small oral portions have no outer pouch and are not designed to melt. We’ve also added international examples of ultra-thin and semi-gel nicotine pouches, and updated our page on gels, creams, sprays and nasal inhalers. UK or Welsh availability has not been established for those international examples. These updates explain what the products are, what is verified and what remains uncertain. They do not establish how widely any product is used in Wales.
Smoking and heart disease: stopping still makes a difference.
Smoking puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels. If you already have heart disease, stopping smoking can reduce the risk of further problems.
Is there any point stopping now?
Yes. NHS guidance says stopping smoking after a heart attack quickly reduces the risk of having another heart attack, and quitting lowers future cardiovascular risk.
Free support in Wales
Help Me Quit offers free NHS stop smoking support across Wales.
How smoking affects heart disease
Smoking contributes to damage inside blood vessels and increases the risk of coronary heart disease. It can make existing cardiovascular disease harder to manage and raises the chance of further events.
What happens when you stop?
Your cardiovascular risk starts to fall after you stop. The longer you stay smokefree, the more that risk reduces.
For diagnosis or treatment
ASH Wales does not diagnose or treat heart disease. If you have symptoms, questions about medicines or concerns about your heart, speak to a healthcare professional or use NHS guidance.