I peer-smoked at age 13 and quit at age 72, a one pack per day user. I vowed I would quit if it became clear that smoking was detrimental for me - in my mind should I start coughing, then it was time to quit. Insidiously, truly a covert action, I had a heart attack, or two or three in the last week of March, 2008.

My family persisted I should see a doctor, however I suggested I was not really hurting, and the pesky pain was in my upper right chest. I finally saw a doc in the clinic, and he immediately tied me up to a portable ECG, and afterward called for an ambulance. I offered to drive to the hospital since I had little pain, which he rejected. I was informed that I had an attack while in the ambulance which I found Incredulous since I had no pain and was more interested in the lack of shock absorbers in the vehicle.

At the hospital I was greeted by a nurse wielding a portable ECG and wheeled directly up to the operating area, where two stents were applied. The following day Dr Hilton told me, amongst other things, to quit smoking, after which three more stents were inserted. I did quit smoking, and have not had another cigarette since.

It's bad for my health. Oh, 'cold turkey' too - it basically was easy since I indoctrinated myself beforehand. However, if I had the smarts and understood how sneaky coronary disease can be....