Smoking is the most common preventable cause of death in the United States. Each year, smoking causes more than 480,000 deaths in America. That’s about one in every five deaths. In addition, smoking causes more than 80% of all lung cancer cases. It’s also linked to other malignancies and health issues like heart disease (CHD).
Smoking promotes the formation of plaque in blood vessels. Coronary Heart Disease develops when arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become clogged by plaque or blocked by thrombi. As a result, the blood thickens and clots inside veins and arteries due to chemicals in cigarette smoke.
We’ll explore the link between smoking and this particular type of heart disease. You’ll learn about the dangers of smoking and what you can do to reduce your risk. By the end, you’ll better understand why it’s so important to quit smoking for good. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!
How Much Does Smoking Contribute to Heart Disease?
Smokers are 2 to 4 times more likely to get heart disease than non-smokers. Heart disease is the leading cause of smoking-related deaths, accounting for one out of every five such fatalities. Women 35 and older who smoke and use birth control pills are significantly more likely to have a heart or stroke problem.
The number one cause of death in America is coronary heart disease. This development occurs when plaque builds up inside the arteries, making it difficult for blood to flow and giving rise to many symptoms, including chest pain or even a heart attack.
What Exactly Does Smoking Do to Increase Your Risk for CHD?
1. Smoking damages the inner lining of your arteries.
Cigarette smoke contains a number of dangerous carcinogens that damage the cells that line your arteries when you smoke. That can lead to plaque formation, a thick, hard deposit that can block your arteries and reduce blood flow.
2. Smoking increases your cholesterol levels.
Smoking can cause your cholesterol levels to rise, increasing your risk for heart disease. Smoking also lowers the level of “good” cholesterol in your blood, further increasing your risk for heart disease.
3. Smoking increases your blood pressure.
Smoking can raise your blood pressure, putting you at greater risk for heart attack and stroke.
4. Smoking harms your heart muscle.
Smoking reduces the strength and function of the heart muscle, making it more difficult for your heart to pump blood throughout your body. That can cause congestive heart failure, a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood for the body’s demands.
5. Smoking promotes cardiac sudden death.
Smoking raises the risk of sudden cardiac death, which is the most common reason for smoking-related fatalities. The sudden inability of the heart to pump blood effectively to the brain and other vital organs is known as cardiac arrest.
Does Nicotine Cause Heart Disease?
Nicotine accelerates the hardening of blood vessel walls, which contributes to heart attacks. Nicotine is a hazardous and potentially highly addictive substance. It can cause an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, circulation of blood to the heart, and vessel narrowing (blood vessels that transport blood). All of these pose potential dangers to the heart.
The carbon monoxide found within cigarettes reduces how much oxygen gets to our hearts. At the same time, tar buildup on coronary arteries makes them less flexible and prone to causing Coronary Heart Disease. Coronary Heart Disease accounts for nearly half (45%) of all deaths related to chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. In addition, smoking kills more people than AIDS, homicide, and suicide combined every year.
If you are a smoker, it is important to be aware of the risks that smoking poses to your heart health. Quitting smoking is not easy, but it is well worth reducing your risk of heart disease. Many resources are available to help you quit smoking, including programs like the American Lung Association’s Freedom from Smoking program.
If you smoke, lowering your cholesterol and blood pressure is also critical. Make sure to see your doctor regularly for check-ups and follow their advice on how to keep your heart healthy.
What Type of Heart Disease is Caused by Smoking?
Smoking is the most common form of heart disease, and it is also the most preventable cause. Coronary heart disease occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, narrowing them and reducing blood flow. That might lead to a heart attack. Smoking puts you at greater risk for coronary artery disease in a variety of ways. First, smoking harms the lining of the arteries, making it simpler for plaque to accumulate. Additionally, smoking reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches the heart muscle, weakening the heart muscle and leading to heart disease.
Can Second-hand Smoke Cause Coronary Artery Disease?
There is growing evidence that second-hand smoke (SHS) can cause coronary artery disease (CAD), the most common type of heart disease. SHS is linked to an estimated 34,000 deaths from CAD each year in the United States. In addition, non-smokers who reside with smokers have a 30% higher chance of getting heart disease. Second-hand smoke is especially harmful to children and babies, increasing the chance of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUDI), bronchitis, pneumonia, and asthma.
Exposure to SHS also raises the risk of other heart problems, such as stroke and heart failure. CAD is also linked to second-hand smoke. When someone smokes, they exhale smoke into the air. This smoke contains harmful chemicals, including nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide. There are many ways to reduce your exposure to SHS. You can avoid smoking areas, stay indoors when someone is smoking, and ask people not to smoke around you. You can also use a personal air filter if you’re regularly exposed to SHS.
Smoking damages almost every other vessel in the body. For example, arteries that supply blood to the arms and legs are affected by the peripheral arterial disease, which affects circulation. The peripheral arterial disease can cause blood clots, gangrene, and even limb loss. Smoking also harms blood vessels in the kidneys and can lead to kidney failure. Smoking is also associated with several eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration.
One of the most significant things you can do for your health is quit smoking. Talk to your doctor about quitting smoking and using nicotine replacement therapy or other medications to help you quit smoking.
How Long Does it Take for Your Heart Rate to Go Down After Smoking?
Within a half-hour of your last cigarette, your heart rate and blood pressure typically return to normal levels. However, smoking has long-term effects on your heart rate and blood pressure, which can increase your risk of coronary heart disease. That is because nicotine and other chemicals enter your circulation when you smoke and make their way to your heart. These substances make your heart beat faster, and your blood vessels constrict. As a result, smoking causes an increase in blood pressure, which can put a strain on the heart. It also raises your risk of developing heart disease and stroke.
