February is American Heart Month, and we here at Assisting Hands Home Care in West Austin are taking some time to think hard about heart health. One of the most crucial aspects of how smoking damages your heart–or, should we say, quitting smoking. If you haven’t done it yet, now is the time.
The Danger of Smoking
Smoking is very often associated with lung cancer — a condition that’s characterized by tumors created by abnormal cells in the body’s tissues. But did you know that only about 10 to 15 percent of smokers contract lung cancer? Smokers are actually far more likely to experience heart conditions such as heart disease, coronary artery disease, and heart attacks. Because of this phenomenon, people sometimes underestimate the risk of smoking cigarettes.
In this article, we’ll discuss in more depth just a few of the ways that smoking damages the heart, whether it’s directly or indirectly.
Smoking Makes Exercising More Difficult
Aside from a healthy diet, exercising regularly is one of the best things you can do for your body. It strengthens your heart and lungs and improves blood circulation. But due to the effects of cigarettes, many smokers have a difficult time performing even a moderate amount of exercise.
Smoking is associated with the overproduction of mucus, the slimy substance found in your throat and nasal passages. When mucus builds up in the airways, it can lead to difficulty breathing and thus causes an inability to exercise.
It Increases the Formation of Arterial Plaque
Plaque is composed of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances. If it builds up in your bloodstream it can narrow and harden your arteries, impeding the flow of oxygen-rich blood to every organ in your body, in addition to your heart.
When plaque buildup gets to a dangerous level, this is known as coronary artery disease (CAD) and this condition will significantly raise your risk of contracting heart disease or a heart attack.
It Raises Your Risk of Aneurysm
An aneurysm is when the walls of your arteries become weak and begin to enlarge. Due to the fact that smoking causes a spike in blood pressure, smokers are at a higher risk of developing an aneurysm, especially intracranial aneurysm (an aneurysm in the brain) and aortic aneurysm (the artery that carries blood away from the heart). If an aneurysm is left untreated it can rupture, often resulting in death.
It Thickens Your Blood
In addition to damaging your arteries, smoking can also thicken your blood by causing cells called platelets to clump together. This can be deadly when combined with coronary artery disease and a weakened heart. Carbon monoxide found in cigarette smoke can bind to hemoglobin, the protein molecule responsible for carrying oxygen around the body. When this happens your heart can enlarge leading to a whole host of health conditions.
Smoking Causes Anxiety
There’s a commonly held misconception that smoking reduces stress and worry. However, the opposite is actually true. Nicotine, one of the most powerful and dangerous chemicals found in cigarettes, provides immediate feelings of satisfaction and happiness. But once the effects wear off, it gives way to feelings of withdrawal and cravings.
Many smokers experience symptoms such as an increased heart rate, sweaty palms, or feelings of anxiety or worry after smoking a cigarette. Studies have shown that nicotine addicts are at least four times as likely as the general public to suffer from major depressive disorders. Over time, anxiety and depression can lead to a weakened and ineffective heart muscle.
The Time to Quit Smoking Is Right Now
The lungs are a gateway to the rest of the body. Next time you’re thinking of picking up a cigarette, remember that it will damage a lot more than just your lungs. Research shows that even a moderate amount of smoking will put you at a high risk of contracting life-threatening heart conditions, so it’s best to avoid it at all costs.
Contact Us
We here at Assisting Hands Home Care in West Austin take seriously the health of our clients, our caregivers, and the community as a whole. If you need help with you or someone you love, contact us today.
