THIS is apropos the letter `Smoking a health risk` (Jan 30). Although I am not an expert, I would just like to share with readers how I suffered being a chain smoker for more than 32 years.

Initially, as a university student I use to smoke just two or three cigarettes a day having caught this habit from my smoker cousin who weren`t senior to me. Once I began my career, I started buying packets and gradually became a chain smoker.

Till the year 2000, I enjoyed excellent health. My blood pressure was normal and weight under control. At the age of 49 in the year 2000, I started experiencing chest pains. When I got it checked, all my tests were negative except the exercise tolerance test in which cardiac problem was indicated.

I underwent angiography, which showed that my leading heart artery was blocked 99pc and another 55pc. Emergency CABG (bypass operation) was advised within 10 days. I had this operation which was successful.

My surgeon and other doctors told me that they were surprised that all my laboratory tests and even blood pressurewere normal. Of course, it was only smoking that had damaged the heart.

Three months after my operation, I again started smoking, finally quitting it forever on August 19, 2003. I celebrate every year my `quit smoking day` as for me this has been a miracle.

Ever since I have quit smoking, I enjoy my food as my taste buds have become alive. I feel healthier and spiritually much better. Therefore, my sincere advice to the smokers, especially the younger ones, is to quit now before it is too late.

Sqn-Ldr (r) Tarique Mahmood Malak Rawalpindi