1 week Ago By Tavishi Dogra
Smoking is a leading cause of cancer and smoking-related mortality globally, and it has a significant effect on heart health. Based on the study by Global Action to end smoking in 2021, Tobacco accounted for an estimated 1.0 million deaths.
Of tobacco-related deaths, 836.1 thousand or 79.8% are caused by smoking and 220.
6 thousand or 21.0% by second hand smoke. Though the dangers of lung cancer from smoking are well known, its effects on the heart are not considered.
Smoking makes one vulnerable to heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases by harming the heart and coronary arteries (arteries which provide blood to the heart muscles).How Cigarette Smoking Influences The Heart?The coronary arteries provide oxygen to the heart. Fatty substances accumulate in these arteries over a period of time.
This diminishes blood supply to the heart muscles, leading to an enhanced risk of a heart attack. Smoking causes clogging and hardening of coronary arteries. It distributes dangerous chemicals such as nicotine, carbon monoxide and tar into the body, which have a direct and harmful impact on the heart and blood vessels:Nicotine and Heart Rate Increase: Nicotine elevates heart rate and blood pressure by releasing adrenaline and adds additional stress to heart muscles.
Vessel Damage: Smoking narrows the arteries, causing plaque to build up and constricted blood flow that elevates the risk of heart attack and stroke.Risk of Increased Blood Clot: Smoking thins the blood, making it more likely to clot, thus elevating the risk of heart attack and stroke.Decreased Oxygen Supply: Cigarette smoke carbon monoxide decreases the oxygen supply to heart muscles, which makes their job more difficult.
Heart Diseases Associated With Smoking?Smoking is associated with some serious cardiovascular ailments:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Smoking increases plaque formation in coronary arteries, which raises the risk of heart attack. The risk of suffering a heart attack is over double in smokers as compared to non-smokers.Stroke: Smoking doubles stroke risk by elevating blood pressure and clotting tendency.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Smoking constricts arteries in the legs and arms, which leads to pain and enhances PAD risk. The risk of PAD is fivefold higher due to smoking.Smoking is an important risk factor for stroke and heart disease but quitting smoking both has immediate benefits and long-term benefits to cardiovascular health.
Therapy for smoking-induced heart diseases typically involves lifestyle changes, medications, and, in severe instances, surgical interventions.SummaryQuitting smoking, maintaining a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress are all examples of lifestyle changes. Surgery can be necessary for severe coronary artery disease (CAD) or peripheral artery disease (PAD).
A routine procedure is angioplasty, where a small balloon is introduced and inflated to widen narrowed arteries and then a stent is placed to ensure that the artery remains open..
