Side Effects of Smoking on the Heart
Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, and can cause permanent damage to your heart and blood vessels smoking have many harmful effects on heart health. Here are some of the main side effects:
1. High blood pressure: The nicotine in cigarettes constricts blood vessels, increasing blood pressure. Over time, this can put pressure on the heart and damage blood vessels1.
2. Atherosclerosis: Smoking increases the build-up of plaque (atherosclerosis) in the arteries, which can obstruct blood flow and lead to heart attacks and strokes.
3. Arrhythmia: Smoking can cause irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) due to harmful chemicals present in tobacco affecting the electrical activity of the heart.
4. Coronary heart disease: The chemicals present in cigarettes can damage the lining of the arteries, leading to coronary heart disease (CHD), where the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed.
5. Increased risk of blood clots: Smoking thickens the blood and makes it more likely to clot, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
6. Decreased oxygen levels: Carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, causing the heart to work harder to supply the body with oxygen.
Quitting smoking can greatly reduce these risks and improve heart health. If you or someone you know is considering quitting, it’s never too late to start the journey toward a healthier heart
How does smoking increase the risk of heart disease.
The nicotine in cigarettes has the following effects:
• Less oxygen reaches the heart
• Increases blood pressure and heart rate
• Increases the risk of blood clotting
• Damages the cells of the coronary arteries and other blood vessels
Benefits of quitting smoking If you quit smoking, you will:
• Lengthen your life
• Reduce your chance of disease
• Feel healthier
• Look better
• Improve your sense of taste and smell
• Save money
Fortunately, most of the damage caused by tobacco is reversible. When you quit smoking, your risk of blood clots decreases. Your “bad” cholesterol will go down and your “good” cholesterol will go up. This will slow the buildup of new plaque.
Within 2 weeks, you will find it easier to exercise without getting short of breath. Over the next few months, you will be able to breathe deeply again. Your cough should also disappear.
Don’t worry if you gain a few pounds at first. Many people start smoking instead of eating when they quit smoking. After a while, you and your body will get used to a smoke-free life. When you exercise more and improve your diet, you will be able to control your weight.
