| Smoking and
Cardiovascular Disease 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: |
The
risks of secondhand smoke: American
Heart Association estimates indicate that approximately 37,000 to 40,000 people die from
heart and blood vessel disease caused by other's people smoke (passive smoking) each year.
Both direct and indirect smoking exposure
poses significant health hazards to pregnant women, infants, and young children. Children
and infants exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to experience ear infections, and
asthma, and are at a higher risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) than children and
infants without the same exposure. |
- 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.
- 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 arrthymias.
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 an appropriate substitute.
- Exercise to avoid weight gain.
- Avoid smoking situations.
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