Nicotine has been the major driving factor for many. It is addictive and life-taking. The biggest source of nicotine consumption in your body is smoking. Smoking cigarettes is one of the primary killers in the United States. It kills 1 out of 5 individuals. Smoking is injurious for your health and that you probably know. You must be knowing it affects your lungs.
But did you know, Smoking can cause a heart attack? Yes, you heard that right!
Smoking causes harm to your entire body and especially your heart. Each cigarette you smoke will bring you one step closer to heart diseases.
How Does Nicotine Affect Your Heart Health?
Let’s understand the mechanics first. You breathe oxygen right? That oxygen reaches your lungs and then travels to your heart. This oxygen-infused blood flows all across your body. But, when you smoke cigarettes, smoke-infused blood will get circulated all across your body. This smoke-infused blood will contaminate your body with chemicals and toxins. I have tried to explain this process in the simplest way possible.
Try to understand this, these chemicals hamper your heart health. It will lead to CVD, which means cardiovascular heart disease. It could be high blood pressure, stroke, coronary disease, aneurysms, and more.
Wait, there is more! Nicotine does more harm than you can imagine. Let me tell you how:
- Firstly, nicotine reduces the amount of oxygen that your heart gets.
- It raises your blood pressure that leads to hypertension.
- Nicotine is proven to raise your heartbeat. Thus, making you more vulnerable to a stroke.
- Nicotine will also result in blood clots. It again triggers a heart attack.
- Nicotine also damages the inside of your heart. It reduces the health of your arteries. In the longer run, they will become weak and narrow. Nicotine is also proven to harden the arteries wall.
- You get prone to Ischemic heart disease. This disease happens when the plague is build up in your arteries.
- Let’s get into facts! When you smoke a cigarette, the level of nicotine stays in your body for 7-8 hours. Hence 5 minutes of smoke will damage your body for 7-8 hours straight.
- Are you diabetic? Are you under birth control pills? If you are, then smoking cigarettes will create greater risks for you.
- Are you awake about secondhand smoke? A cloud of smoke comes from the other end that is the burning end of the cigarette. This smoke is called secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke is much worse. It will not just hamper your heart but also the health of your future children. The risk is greatest for premature babies.
- I hope you are not smoking those expensive cigars. Forget social status. Forget social gatherings. These cigars are increasing your chances of a heart attack.
I hope after reading all this, you know how dangerous nicotine is for you. Nicotine affects your heart vastly. In the longer run, these cigarettes will become life-taking. Are you willing to quit now? If you are wondering how then don’t worry.
Best Ways to Quit Smoking Cigarettes:
I understand nicotine to be addictive. Even your body gets so used to it. Just end this vicious cycle. The first tip I give to my patients is that never try a cigarette. Don’t just try it. What if you like it? What if you get addicted? It’s best not to enter this gamble.
Let’s see how we can do this:
- Decide a date. Mark of your calendar and quit on that day. Willpower is strong only if you believe in it.
- Flush away all the left tobacco and cigarettes. If you have them lying around, then you will not be able to control yourself. Just get rid of them.
- Remember the reason why you wish to quit. Prioritize your health and your future today. Like right now!
- Ask your friends and family to encourage you. If people around you smoke, then ask them not to smoke in front of you.
- Another tip that I give to my patients is to join a support group. Conduct weekly sessions. It is beneficial and encouraging. Listening to other people’s journeys will give you courage.
You can do this! If you need any help, then remember, I am one call/email away. You can get yourself an appointment and consult with me. I try my best to educate all my patients on preventive healthcare and self-care. Believe in yourself and you can improve your health today. Not smoking improves your lifestyle habits. With time, the level of nicotine in your body reduces.
If you are a smoker and you are concerned for your heart health then visit www.drcorrielus.com today!
