Vascular surgeon explains health impacts of smoking. Smoking can lead to thrombosis and cause healing problems
Various health actions are promoted throughout the year to make the population aware of the risks of smoking. One of them is the No smoking day, celebrated on 16 November. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cigarettes are responsible for the deaths of more than 8 million people each year, directly or indirectly. It is also the leading cause of preventable death worldwide.
Risks of smoking for vascular health
Cigarette smokers are exposed to more than 4,000 chemicals (many of them toxic), including nicotine, carbon monoxide, acrolein and other oxidants. Constant exposure induces multiple pathological effects in the body, caused by oxidative stress in cells.
“The negative effects of cigarettes are many and, in the case of vein health, smoking also mainly affects circulation and this favors the appearance of thrombosis (with clogging of vessels and which can lead to death), especially if associated with risk factors,” says Dr. Aline Lamaita, vascular surgeon, member of the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery.
Cigarette smoking is normally associated with an increased chance of developing a heart attack, but it can also cause circulatory problems such as atherosclerosis (involving the arteries in the leg) and thromboangiitis obliterans (a disorder affecting the extremities of the body). “In both cases there is a risk of having to amputate the limb, such as legs, feet and hands,” explains the specialist.
This is because nicotine is linked to thinning of blood vessels, emphasizes the doctor. “In addition, carbon monoxide offers an additional risk factor by reducing the oxygen concentration in the blood. The whole process can cause complications for the normal functioning of the vessels, which are more susceptible to blockage. This, in turn, can lead to thrombotic processes, especially when risk factors are involved,” he says.
Risk factors for thrombosis
Thrombosis is characterized by the development of a “thrombus” (a blood clot) in the veins of the legs and thighs, blocking the passage of blood. According to the vascular surgeon, the main risk factors I am:
- Leg pain;
- Obesity;
- Use of hormones (such as the birth control pill, for example);
- Patients with any type of cancer;
- Carriers of thrombophilia (blood disease that leaves a greater predisposition to blood clotting);
- Any condition that increases immobilization (cast, physical handicap, fractures);
- Pregnant women;
- Seniors.
Furthermore, some studies also suggest that exposure to cigarette smoke causes platelet activation and stimulation of the coagulation cascade. Therefore, there is an increased incidence of arterial thrombosis in smokers. “At the same time, the natural anticoagulant properties have significantly decreased,” he comments.
The specialist adds that another complication of cigarettes is hindering the role of blood in the process healing, especially after surgeries and procedures. “The narrower vessel has less blood flow and the oxygen supply to the tissues is affected. This makes healing difficult and can also cause skin necrosis. Several substances present in cigarettes hinder the formation of fibroblasts, cells linked to the healing process “, explains .
Finally, the doctor emphasizes that medical monitoring is essential in the case of smokers. This is because this is a way to prevent the onset or progression of vascular disease.
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Source: Terra
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.
