From cigarettes to heart attacks: Know how smoking damages your heart and what you can do to stop it

Smoking has long been recognized as a major health hazard, contributing to a variety of chronic diseases, and one of the most serious consequences is the long-term impact on cardiovascular health. Despite extensive public health campaigns and warnings, smoking remains a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), which includes conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Abhijit Borse, interventional cardiologist at the Asian Heart Institute in Mumbai, explains the complex ways in which smoking damages the heart, which is important for both prevention and treatment efforts –

Mechanisms of damage

• Atherosclerosis: Smoking accelerates the process of atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up in the arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow. This can lead to coronary artery disease, the leading cause of heart attacks. The chemicals in cigarette smoke damage the lining of the arteries, making them more vulnerable to plaque buildup.
• Blood clotting: Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes promote blood clot formation by making the blood stickier and increasing the levels of clotting factors. This increases the risk of blockages in the arteries, which can lead to heart attack and stroke.
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure: Nicotine causes an immediate increase in heart rate and blood pressure by stimulating the release of adrenaline. Over time, this constant stress on the cardiovascular system can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure), a major risk factor for heart disease.
• Decreased oxygen supply: Carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke binds with hemoglobin in the blood, reducing its ability to carry oxygen. This means the heart has to work harder to supply the body with the oxygen it needs, increasing the risk of heart disease and heart failure.

Long-term consequences

1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Smokers are 2-4 times more likely to develop CAD than non-smokers. This condition can lead to chest pain, heart attack, and sudden cardiac death. The risk is directly proportional to the number of cigarettes smoked and the duration of smoking.
2. Heart failure: Chronic smoking damages the heart muscle, leading to heart failure. This is a condition in which the heart cannot pump blood effectively, resulting in symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention. Smoking-induced hypertension and atherosclerosis are the major causes of heart failure.
3. Stroke: Smoking doubles the risk of stroke, mainly due to its role in atherosclerosis and blood clotting. Strokes can lead to long-term disability or death, depending on the area of ​​the brain affected and the severity.
4. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Smoking can also affect the arteries outside the heart, causing PAD. This condition causes pain and numbness in the limbs and an increased risk of infection and ulcers, which can sometimes require amputation.

Effects on recovery and treatment

“For people who already have heart disease, smoking complicates treatment and recovery. Smokers are more likely to suffer a heart attack and have lower survival rates than non-smokers. Additionally, smoking can reduce the effectiveness of certain cardiac medications, making it more difficult to manage heart disease effectively,” explained Dr. Abhijeet Borse.

Quitting smoking: The path to better heart health

Dr. Abhijit Borse said the benefits of quitting smoking are significant and almost immediate, “Within 20 minutes of smoking the last cigarette, heart rate and blood pressure decrease. Within a year, the risk of heart disease is reduced to half that of a non-smoker. Over time, risks continue to decrease, although smokers remain at greater risk than those who have never smoked. The long-term effects of smoking on heart health are profound and multifaceted, affecting both the structure and function of the cardiovascular system. Public health initiatives should continue to focus on smoking cessation as a critical component of cardiovascular disease prevention. By quitting smoking, individuals can substantially reduce their risk of heart disease and improve their overall quality of life.”

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor for any questions about any medical condition.