Effects of Smoking on the Heart

What Does Cigarette Smoke Contain?

Cigarette smoke contains several harmful substances. A few of them are as follows -

• Arsenic.

• Ammonia.

• Acetone.

• Acetic acid.

• Benzene.

• Butane.

• Cadmium.

• Carbon monoxide.

• Formaldehyde.

• Hexamine.

• Lead.

• Nicotine.

• Tar

• Toluene.

What Are the Side Effects of Smoking?

Smoking has several side effects. A few common side effects include,

• Stroke.

• Various lung diseases, such as asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).

• Fertility issues.

• Malodor.

• Tooth loss.

• Poor healing.

• Heart diseases.

• Impaired immune function.

• Weakened bones.

What Impact Does Smoking Have on Cardiovascular Health?

The chemicals and carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) in cigarette smoke cause inflammation of the linings of the blood vessels and their constriction, leading to various cardiovascular diseases,

• Atherosclerosis - Atherosclerosis is a condition in which the arteries narrow due to deposits of fats, cholesterol, and blood cells within them. As these substances deposit to cause a chemical reaction, thereby converting them to plaque. This plaque is different from the plaque found on teeth surfaces. It is primarily composed of fats and it reduces the lumen of the blood vessels by accumulating within the vessel wall. Higher the amount of plaque accumulation, higher the risk of heart disease. The lumen narrows, decreasing blood flow to the heart and its associated structures. Smoking makes a person susceptible to atherosclerosis.

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) - Coronary artery disease is associated with the blood vessels of the heart malfunctioning due to clots. When arteries that deliver blood to the heart muscles are either constricted by plaque or obstructed by clots, the heart tissue is starved of blood, nutrients, and oxygen, leading to heart attacks.

• Stroke - Stroke refers to loss of brain function brought on by the interruption of blood flow to the brain. It can lead to long-term brain damage and death. Deaths due to heart attacks and strokes are more common in smokers than their non-smoker counterparts.

• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) - Also known as peripheral vascular disease (PVD), peripheral artery disease develops when blood vessels narrow, resulting in decreased blood flow to the upper and lower limbs. Reduced blood flow deprives the cells and tissue of essential oxygen. Smoking is one of the most common and preventable causes of peripheral artery disease.

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm - Aorta is the primary blood vessel responsible for distributing blood to the entire body via its branches. A bulge or weak spot that develops in the segment of the aorta that runs through the abdomen is known as an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Smoking is a known and significant factor associated with aortic damage and aneurysms. A ruptured aortic aneurysm poses a severe threat to life. Compared to men who smoke, women smokers have a greater risk of death from an aortic aneurysm.

Are Men and Women Equally Affected?

Both men and women are affected by the side effects of smoking, but several studies show that women smokers have a 25 percent higher risk of developing heart disease than men who smoke.

What Is Second Hand Smoke?

Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is also known as second-hand smoke (SHS). It comprises two types of smoke that are generated by burning tobacco -

• Main-Stream Smoke - The smoke exhaled primarily by the smoker is known as main-stream smoke.

• Side-Stream Smoke - Side-stream smoke refers to the smoke that comes from burning tobacco, cigarette, pipe, cigar, and hookah's lit end. Compared to main-stream smoke, side-stream smoke has more carcinogens (cancer-causing agents).

When non-smokers are exposed to second-hand smoke, it refers to passive or involuntary smoking. Like smokers, those who breathe in second-hand smoke inhale harmful compounds, including nicotine. The more second-hand smoke is inhaled, the higher the inhalation levels of these toxic chemicals.

Is Second Hand Smoke a Health Hazard?

• Being around second-hand smoke increases the risk of a heart attack. Second-hand smoke damages both the heart and its associated structures to varying degrees.

• The platelets, cells responsible for blood clotting, malfunction when exposed to second-hand smoke, resulting in increased blood clots. These blood clots can lead to heart attacks or strokes by restricting blood flow.

• Exposure to second-hand smoke also affects the elasticity of the arteries (blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood). Because of this, the arteries do not dilate or widen when required, leading to various cardiovascular diseases.

• The chemicals in second-hand smoke lead to inflammation of the blood vessels, narrowing the blood vessels and increasing the risk of angina (chest pain associated with heart disease) and heart attacks.

• Second-hand smoke also affects the health of children. Children exposed to second-hand smoke are more likely to fall sick, wheeze, cough, and have shortness of breath. They are also prone to bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, and ear infections.

What Happens When You Quit Smoking?

Significant changes occur in the body when a person ceases smoking. It includes the following changes:

Within One Day of Smoking Cessation:

• The heart rate slows down.

• Blood pressure stabilizes.

• Blood levels of carbon monoxide decrease.

• Efficient oxygen delivery to the entire body.

Within Two to Three Months of Smoking Cessation:

• Restoration of senses such as smell and taste.

• Lungs become cleaner, with improved ability to breathe.

• Mucus is removed by coughing.

• Blood flow to the hand and feet is improved.

Within a Year of Smoking Cessation:

• Lungs are healthier, aiding respiration.

Within Two to Six Years of Smoking Cessation:

• The risk of heart attack and stroke drops significantly.

• People have become much healthier than before.

How Can People Quit Smoking?

Although the road may seem complicated, quitting smoking is highly crucial. People can quit smoking by implementing the following measures -

• Set a Date for Quitting - Finalizing the date is a starting point in the journey of smoking cessation. The date should be pretty close in the future.

• Use Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) - Nicotine replacement therapy is a therapy in which low-dose nicotine (in the form of skin patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers, and nasal spray) is used to help people stop smoking.

• Seek Support and Help - It is challenging to avoid nicotine after the quit day due to the emotional and physical dependence that smoking induces. To stop smoking, smokers need to get over this dependence. Self-help groups, support groups, and counseling services can help smokers tide over this phase smoothly. The emotional dependency ceases as soon as the physical dependence stops.

• Start Exercising - Nicotine addicts typically describe withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, trouble sleeping, and mood swings. It has been proven that exercise can minimize nicotine withdrawal symptoms. As per studies, a quick ten-minute workout will lessen a person’s craving for nicotine. Smokers usually give up their habit of smoking as they get fitter.

• Consider Alternative Therapies - Studies show that alternative therapies help patients quit smoking in some instances. The alternative therapies include,

1. Filters.

2. E-cigarettes.

3. Hypnosis.

4. Yoga and meditation.

5. Herbs and supplements.

Conclusion

Smoking is one of the deadliest practices with disastrous complications. It leads to cancer, lung diseases, diabetes, and stroke. It also weakens and destroys the heart and its associated structures. For the majority of smokers who quit smoking, the damage gradually reverses, and the health recovers quickly. The risk of heart attack and other critical diseases reduces drastically. Most smokers reduce the risk of stroke to almost that of a non-smoker after five years of cessation. It might take some time and effort, but it is always worthwhile. Smokers should seek help when trying to quit.