The dangers of smoking on heart health

Smoking is a serious  health problem and one of the main causes of heart disease. In this article, we will discuss the impact of smoking on heart health and why it is important for individuals to avoid or quit smoking.
Smoking is a major risk factor for heart and blood vessel disease, which can cause narrowing of the blood vessels of the heart and brain.

When someone smokes, they inhale more than 7,000 harmful chemicals, including nicotine, carbon monoxide and tar. Nicotine in cigarettes is an addictive substance that causes an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. As a result, the heart has to work harder to pump blood, which can cause prolonged stress on the heart.

Narrowing of Blood Vessels
Cigarettes activate the body's inflammatory system,  increasing blood clotting activity, making it easier for plaque to form in the arteries. Plaque is a deposit of fat, cholesterol and other substances that accumulate on the walls of blood vessels, called atherosclerotic plaque. Over time, this plaque will cause narrowing of the blood vessels, thereby disrupting blood flow to the heart.

Heart Attack and Stroke
Smoking is a major risk factor for heart attacks. Heart attacks occur because unstable atherosclerotic plaque blocks blood vessels, triggers the blood clotting process to form blood clots, and a total blockage occurs in the coronary arteries (heart blood vessels) so that blood flow to the heart is hampered. Without sufficient blood flow, heart tissue can become damaged and even die. This can cause permanent damage to the heart or even death.

Apart from heart attacks, smoking also increases the risk of stroke. Strokes occur when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, and smoking can cause the formation of blood clots that can reach the brain. This can result in serious brain damage or even death.

Quit Smoking: The Best Solution
Damage to blood vessel walls and plaque formation in sufferers is permanent. So can someone reduce their risk of experiencing heart disease complications by stopping smoking?
The earlier someone stops smoking, the greater the benefits of preventing heart attacks they will get. If plaque has formed in a patient, secondary prevention needs to be carried out; namely to prevent sufferers from experiencing a heart attack or worsening of the narrowing, with medication or other measures, and of course improving their lifestyle, one of which is by stopping smoking. By stopping smoking, blood vessel damage does not continue, and the risk of plaque formation can be reduced.
Medical assistance and social support can help individuals stop smoking and live healthier lives. Moreover, avoiding exposure to passive cigarette smoke is also very important, because passive cigarette smoke also contributes to the risk of heart disease.

The dangers of smoking to heart health are real and deadly. Smoking can cause narrowing of blood vessels, heart attacks and strokes. Quitting smoking is the best step to protect heart health and prolong life. Support and resources for quitting smoking are available, and it is important for individuals to take immediate action for better heart health and if there are further complaints they can immediately consult a heart specialist at Rsu Hermina Serpong