Does Smoking and Heart Disease Have A Distinct Link?

Friday, August 31, 2012

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death among many individuals across the globe. Heart related issues are largely attributed to poor lifestyle including smoking. The question is, does smoking and heart disease have a distinct link? Cigarettes contain harmful ingredients such as nicotine. This increases the risk of heart disease by:
  • Decreasing supply of oxygen to the heart,
  • It damages cells that line blood vessels and coronary arteries,
  • Increases heart rate and
  • Increases blood pressure and blood clotting.
Research also shows that smoking causes atherosclerosis. This is a condition that is characterized by build up of fatty substances in the arteries. As a result, the lining of the artery will begin to deteriorate forcing the body to use fatty substances to thicken the affected artery walls. When this happens, artery walls become thick making it harder for blood to pass through. Blockage of arteries also arises leading to heart attack.

Smoking also slows down blood circulation. Blood can easily pool up causing blood clots in the heart and other areas in the body when exposed to harmful carcinogens or nicotine. The clots will gradually form in veins, legs and eventually travel to the heart via arteries exposing you to high risks of heart disease.

It is with no doubt that bad lifestyle and cigarettes increase the risks of heart related conditions. The two have a distinct link. Therefore, to reduce heart disease, it is imperative to quit smoking. You will stay off harmful carcinogens and other ingredients that also cause heart attack and related conditions; quitting will also help you to feel healthier, look better and enhance your general health. What's more, cigarette smoking can be costly and by quitting, you will be in a better position to save a great deal on cash. In other cases, blood clots can cause lung damage, stroke and aneurysm.

Cigarettes do not only affect you, but they also affect persons around you, exposing them to high risks of cancers, lung problems and heart related conditions. It does even more damage to those around you. Despite the fact that it is not easy to quit smoking, it is the best thing you can consider for your health and that of loved ones. It all starts in the mind and by knowing that there is a close link between the vice and the disease, it will be easy for you to lay down your cigarettes.

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