Cardiovascular disease is currently the leading cause of death globally. According to Dr. Utagi (cardiology expert in India), not only heavy addicts but even people who only smoke a few cigarettes a day are at 2-4 times higher risk of heart disease.
Smoking damages the endothelium
Endothelium is a thin lining inside blood vessels, controlling blood flow and preventing the formation of blood clots. More than 7,000 chemicals in cigarettes, especially nicotine and carbon monoxide, directly destroy the endothelium. When this lining is rough, bad cholesterol (LDL) easily gets stuck, creating plaque that narrows arteries and reduces blood flow.
Endothelial dysfunction occurs just minutes after exposure to cigarette smoke. At the same time, nicotine makes platelets more adhesive, clotting blood. When a small plaque ruptures, these platelets quickly form large blood clots blocking blood flow to the heart, causing myocardial infarction.
Reduce oxygen supply and increase pressure on the heart
Carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke has the ability to make way for oxygen in the blood 200 times stronger. As a result, the blood is severely depleted of oxygen, forcing the heart to beat faster and harder to compensate, leading to cardiomyopathy over time. In addition, nicotine is a stimulant that constricts blood vessels, causing immediate and long-term hypertension.
Causing chronic inflammation and cholesterol changes
Toxins in cigarette smoke cause persistent acute stress and inflammation. Smokers often have a high C-reactive protein (hs-CRP - the inflammatory index in the blood) – a typical sign of heart disease.
In addition, tobacco increases LDL cholesterol and reduces good cholesterol (HDL). In particular, it increases the level of oxidized LDL by up to 40%. This is a dangerous cholesterol that easily enters the walls of arteries.
Arrhythmia and myocardial weakness
Long-term smoking leads to myocardial disease due to lack of oxygen and oxidative stress. Nicotine and carbon monoxide also disrupt electrical signals, causing atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia or sudden death.
Dr. Utagi said that smokers are at a 14-17% higher risk of heart rhythm disorders than normal.
Dangers from passive smoking
Passive smoke contains toxins equivalent to direct smoking, increasing the risk of heart attack by 20-30%. The World Health Organization warns that just 30 minutes of exposure to passive smoke can damage blood vessel function.
If you are smoking and have signs such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue, contact your doctor immediately for advice.
