01/6​This is how smoking affects cardiovascular health

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Smoking is not just harmful to your lungs; it also wreaks havoc on your heart health. According to the American Heart Association, smoking is a major cause of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. More than 8 million people die due to tobacco consumption each year, as per the World Health Organisation. Here is what you need to know about how smoking can damage your heart and the vital points you should know.

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02/6​Smoking increases the risk of heart disease

​Smoking increases the risk of heart disease
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Smoking is a leading cause of heart disease. According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, smokers are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease than non-smokers. This is because smoking leads to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow to the heart.

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03/6​Smoking raises blood pressure

​Smoking raises blood pressure
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One of the many harmful effects of smoking is its impact on blood pressure. The chemicals in cigarette smoke damage the lining of the arteries, making them narrower and less flexible. This causes an increase in blood pressure, putting extra strain on the heart. A study published in the American Journal of Hypertension found that both active smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke can significantly increase blood pressure.

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04/6​Smoking reduces oxygen levels in the blood

​Smoking reduces oxygen levels in the blood
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The carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke binds with haemoglobin in the blood, reducing its ability to carry oxygen. This means that less oxygen is delivered to the body's tissues and organs, including the heart. Over time, this can lead to damage to the heart muscle and increase the risk of heart attack. A study published in the European Heart Journal found that smokers have lower levels of oxygen in their blood compared to non-smokers.

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05/6​Smoking increases the risk of blood clots

​Smoking increases the risk of blood clots
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Smoking increases the risk of blood clots, which can block blood flow to the heart, leading to a heart attack. The chemicals in cigarette smoke can cause the blood to become stickier and more prone to clotting. According to research published in the journal Circulation, smokers are at a significantly higher risk of developing blood clots than non-smokers.

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06/6​Smoking damages the blood vessels

​Smoking damages the blood vessels
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The chemicals in cigarette smoke can damage the lining of the blood vessels, making them more prone to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and other cardiovascular diseases. A study published in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology found that smoking is a major cause of endothelial dysfunction, which is a precursor to atherosclerosis.


(Images: Canva)

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