Smoking: Understanding the Heart Risks of Cigarettes

Smoking is a major cause of heart and vascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes.

This Thursday (29) we celebrate National Anti-Smoking Day, a date created to raise awareness among the population about the risks of smoking, also in relation to cardiovascular health. Cigarettes are one of the biggest villains when it comes to heart problems, such as myocardial infarction and arrhythmias. Nicotine, a highly addictive substance present in cigarettes, causes a series of harmful changes in the body, increasing the incidence of heart and vascular diseases.

According to data from the National Cancer Institute (INCA), Smoking is responsible for approximately 30% of heart disease deaths in Brazil. The risk of heart attack in smokers is three times higher than in those who have never smoked. In addition, passive smoking, that is, the inhalation of smoke by non-smokers, is also a significant risk factor, being responsible for thousands of premature deaths each year.

“The nicotine in cigarettes causes the arteries to narrow, blood pressure to rise, and the heart to overload,” explains cardiologist and arrhythmologist Julianny Freitas Rafael. “Over time, this effect can lead to serious complications, such as heart attacks, heart failure, and sudden death. Quitting smoking is, without a doubt, one of the most effective measures to reduce these risks,” he adds.

Julianny also points out that while quitting smoking is a challenge for many, the health benefits are significant and can be seen quickly. “After 20 minutes without smoking, your blood pressure and heart rate return to normal. Within 24 hours, your risk of heart attack begins to decline. In the long term, after 15 years of abstinence, your risk of coronary heart disease is equal to that of a person who has never smoked,” he says.

Risks for other diseases

In addition to its direct effects on the heart, smoking also contributes to the development of other diseases, such as lung cancer, chronic respiratory disease, and stroke. Smokers are twice as likely to have a stroke as nonsmokers.

With the growing popularity of e-cigarettes, many smokers believe that they could be a less harmful alternative. However, recent studies indicate that e-cigarettes also contain nicotine and other harmful substances, which can cause lung inflammation and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The numbers don’t lie: according to the World Health Organization (WHO), 8 million people die every year from passive smoking, of which 1.2 million are non-smokers exposed to passive smoking. Therefore, the fight against smoking is a public health issue that must be addressed seriously and urgently.

“Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make to protect your heart and your overall health,” Julianny warns. The cardiologist also emphasizes that “consulting a doctor is essential to get support in this process. There are several treatments available, from behavioral therapies to medications, that can help smokers overcome their addiction.”

Free treatment

The Unified Health System (SUS) offers comprehensive and free treatment to people who want to quit smoking through medications such as patches, lozenges, chewing gum (nicotine replacement therapy) and others, in addition to the medical monitoring necessary for each case. More information can be obtained from Dial Saúde 136.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.