Some of the major cardiovascular diseases caused by smoking are:
A heart attack (also called myocardial infarction) happens when the blood flow to the heart is either reduced or completely blocked, and the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen supply. Smoking causes the blockage of blood flow to the heart. Due to the lack of oxygen-rich blood, the heart muscles start to die leading to a heart attack.
Stroke is a condition that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is either reduced or gets blocked. The nicotine and carbon monoxide chemicals of cigarette smoke increase the blood pressure and hence the decreased supply of oxygen in the blood. Due to this, the arteries carrying blood to the brain get clogged. Smoking doubles the risk of getting a stroke.
High Blood Pressure is a condition that occurs when the blood in the arteries tends to flow with a higher force than usual. This condition is also known as hypertension. The nicotine chemical present in cigarette smoke causes constriction of the blood vessels increasing blood pressure.
CHD occurs when the coronary arteries fail to bring enough blood to the heart or develop cholesterol blockages. The cigarette smoke chemical causes the thickness of blood and forms clots inside the veins and the arteries. It causes the artery to narrow down and the clot blockage further leads to heart attacks due to loss of oxygen and sometimes even sudden deaths.
Aneurysm is an abnormal enlargement of the wall of an artery. It is a condition observed in the aorta, the main artery in the abdomen for the blood flow in the body. When the aorta wall weakens, a bulge is formed around the aorta. The use of tobacco further weakens the walls even more which leads to the rupture of aneurysms. It may also result in the sudden death of the human.
This occurs when the arteries are too narrow that they cannot deliver sufficient blood to the head, organs, arms, hands, legs, and feet and affects blood circulation. This condition usually occurs due to inflammation and atherosclerosis that leads to plague formation. People with PAD are prone to an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and coronary heart diseases.
This occurs when the arteries become narrower and less flexible due to fatty plaque formation. Plaque is formed by the substances like fat, cholesterol, and scar tissue in the blood. This plaque builds up in the walls of arteries which makes them sticky. This hinders the proper blood flow to other body parts. The chemical present in the smoke thickens the blood arteries making the movement of blood cells through the artery more difficult. It also causes inflammation.
Arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat, either too fast or too slow than the usual heart rhythm. This condition is a fault in the heart’s electrical signal. The nicotine chemical contributes to the generation of fibrosis in the heart. Smoking triggers cardiac fibrosis which leads to Arrhythmia. Also, Secondhand Smoke triggers change in the heart’s electrical signals and increase the risk.
A smoker generally does not know if his life is at risk until he has a heart attack or stroke.
The symptoms to look out for:
If you are a regular smoker, you must visit a Heart Hospital in Patna and get your heart and cardiac care done. Get different tests to check your heart condition and consult the doctor for precautions for your heart, arteries, and blood vessels. If you do not deal with your cardiovascular and heart problems at the right time, your life may be at risk. Choose the right Heart Hospital for yourself.
It is undeniable that quitting smoking can be very arduous but it is not impossible. With strong determination and dedication, one can become a non-smoker within a short period. Smokers who decide to quit, see frequent positive changes in their bodies. It improves the heart condition and decreases CVD risk. However, it becomes difficult to know where to start. Consulting a doctor will help you improve your heart conditions. Getting Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can help you in numerous ways.
Nicotine replacement therapy is the most commonly used measure to quit. This therapy provides smokers with products that supply a dose of nicotine in a form other than harmful chemicals. These are in the form of Gums, Patch, Inhalers, Nasal Spray, or Lozenges.
For a heart-healthy lifestyle, quitting smoking will be a big step. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, it will benefit in the following ways:
Undoubtedly, smoking kills people’s life. Smokers should know the benefits and why it is vital to quit smoke. To live a smoke-free life, you must follow either one or a combination of measures to live a healthy life. It might take you a couple of tries to quit smoke but try not to get discouraged along the way. Consider following positive lifestyle changes that help you live a healthy life. As said, Better Late than Never. Quit Smoking today for a Healthy and Better Tomorrow. It will be the best decision of your life.
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