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Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death worldwide. As per a 2019 survey, 85% of the deaths were due to heart attack and stroke. Smoking is one of the primary risk factors for heart disease and the single most preventable cause of cardiovascular conditions. In India, tobacco use is prevalent, particularly in the form of cigarettes and bidis, which significantly contribute to the burden of diseases among men. Smoking cigarettes and bidis is known to double the risk of heart attacks.
Although smoking is mainly linked to lung problems, its impact on heart health is equally alarming. This raises many questions, like does smoking cause heart attacks? How does it affect the heart? This blog will help you understand the effects of smoking on the heart, the smoking and heart attack correlation, and its other consequences.
Synopsis
What is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, happens when the blood supply to the heart is interrupted. This blockage is mostly caused by plaque, which is the buildup of fatty deposits, cholesterol, or other substances in the coronary arteries. The plaque is favourable for the formation of blood clots, which deprives the heart muscles of oxygen and nutrients, increasing the chances of a heart attack. The early recognition of this blockage and its prevention is vital to reduce the risk of a heart attack.
More Reads: Recognizing Early Symptoms of Heart Disease
The Relationship Between Smoking and Heart Health
The tobacco smoke contains about 7,000 harmful compounds, including nicotine, tar, and carbon dioxide. These toxic substances can be very harmful to the body. When the contaminated oxygen with the toxic chemicals reaches the heart, it can affect the blood vessels, leading to cardiovascular diseases. Smoking can also speed up the narrowing of coronary arteries, thereby increasing the risk of heart attack. So, let's understand the effect of smoking on heart health.
Risks of Smoking on Heart Health
Smoking affects almost every organ of the body and is a risk factor for many life-threatening diseases, including cancers. Smoking affects the heart in many ways:
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Damage the lining of the blood vessels (cells), thereby causing the narrowing or thickening of arteries
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Raises the blood pressure and heart rate
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Reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches the various body’s tissues, leading to their damage
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Lowers the good cholesterol and raises the triglyceride levels
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Increases the buildup of the plaque
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Increases the stickiness of the platelets, making them more likely to form clots, causing the blockage of blood flow to the heart and brain.
Does Smoking Cause Heart Attacks?
This is a significant concern, and people who smoke often worry about whether smoking can lead to a heart attack. Numerous research studies have examined the relationship between smoking and heart attack risk. Smokers have a two to fourfold higher risk of developing coronary heart disease than non-smokers. The toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke damage blood vessels, trigger inflammation, and promote plaque buildup, creating a perfect storm for heart attacks. Even light smoking or occasional smoking can harm your cardiovascular health. Cigarette smoking also doubles a person's risk for stroke.
More Reads: Unusual Symptoms of Hypertrophic Heart Disease You Shouldn't Ignore
Conclusion
Smoking is a major contributor to heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases. The smoking effects on heart health are undeniable, from causing chest pain to significantly increasing the risk of heart attacks. If you smoke, quitting is the most effective way to protect your heart and overall health. It's never too late to take action. Book a consultation with our top cardiologist at Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar, today to get the best care for your heart.
FAQ's
The symptoms of a heart attack vary among people. Common symptoms include:
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Chest pain
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Pain in other parts of the body like the neck, arm, shoulder, back, jaw, teeth, or upper belly
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Shortness of breath
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Cold sweat
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Fatigue
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Lightheadedness
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Nausea or vomiting
If you have successfully stayed away from smoking while recovering from a heart attack, it is highly advisable to continue avoiding it. By quitting smoking, you have already significantly reduced your risk of early death from heart disease. Don’t undermine your progress by restarting. Staying smoke-free is one of the most effective steps to protect your heart health and improve your overall recovery.
Heart attacks can be prevented by making lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, managing stress and other health conditions, getting enough sleep, reducing alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking. Seek a consultation with our cardiologists to learn more about how you can keep your heart healthy.
Yes, quitting smoking can benefit your heart health now and in the future. Within 20 minutes of quitting, your heart rate drops, and after 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in the blood becomes normal, allowing more oxygen to reach the heart. Also, within four years of quitting, your risk of heart attack and stroke reduces, and after 5-10 years, it becomes similar to that of a non-smoker.
To schedule an appointment with our Cardiology Department at Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar, contact or visit our website.
Visit: www.manipalhospitals.com/bhubaneswar
Contact no: 03369070001
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