Facts about smoking and cardiovascular disease:
- As many as 30 percent of all coronary heart disease deaths in the US each year are attributable to cigarette smoking.
- Nine out of ten persons with peripheral vascular disease are smokers.
- Smokers are close to eight times more likely to suffer an aortic aneurysm than non-smokers.
- Among persons younger than 65, 44 percent of strokes in men and 39 percent in women are caused by cigarette smoking.
- Women who smoke and are taking oral contraceptives are approximately 10 times more likely to develop a cardiovascular disease than women who do not.
How does smoking affect the cardiovascular system?
In posing health risks on the body's cardiovascular system, smoking:
- Causes immediate and long term increases in blood pressure.
- Causes immediate and long term increases in heart rate.
- Reduces cardiac output and coronary blood flow.
- Reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches the body's tissues.
- Changes the properties of blood vessels and blood cells – allowing cholesterol and other fatty substances to build up.
- Contributes to higher blood pressure and blot clot formation.
- Damages blood vessels.
- Doubles the risk of ischemic stroke.
In addition, smoking has been associated with depression and psychological distress.
Cigarette smoking and cardiovascular disease:
Smoking, in addition to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity, and diabetes top the list as primary risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and is responsible for claiming the lives of 430,000 Americans each year. In fact, smoking has been classified as the single most preventable cause of premature death in the United States.
The importance of smoking cessation:
According to the American Heart Association, eliminating smoking not only reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, but also reduces the risk of repeat heart attacks and death by heart disease by 50 percent. Research also indicates that smoking cessation is crucial in the management of many contributors to heart attack, including atherosclerosis, thrombosis, coronary artery disease, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Steps to quit smoking:
Consult your physician to learn more about establishing an appropriate smoking cessation program. In addition, the following steps may help you kick the habit:
- Consult your physician regarding finding a smoking cessation program in your area.
- Establish a goal – the date that you will begin a smoke-free life.
- Take it one day at a time.
- Find support.
- Find an appropriate substitute.
- Exercise to avoid weight gain.
- Avoid smoking situations.
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