Smoking is most certainly a leading cause of heart disease, and experts have often stated that the statistics are rather alarming. According to the World Health Organization, tobacco use kills more than 8 million people each year, with nearly 1.2 million of those deaths attributed to secondhand smoke exposure. Heart disease is responsible for a significant portion of these fatalities. It’s clear that smoking and heart health are absolutely incompatible and one should start taking precautions from an early age.
Dr. Jayati Rakhit, MD FACC, says, “In a world increasingly focused on health and wellness, the importance of living smoke-free cannot be overstated. As a senior interventional cardiologist at Ohio Hospital, Newtown, Kolkata, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating effects of smoking on the heart.”
She further added, “One of the most perilous aspects of smoking is its effect on blood vessels. The chemicals in tobacco smoke damage the delicate inner lining of arteries, known as the endothelium. This damage leads to the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, a process called atherosclerosis. Over time, these deposits narrow the arteries and restrict blood flow. Ultimately, this can result in heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases.”
Over the years a lot of research works have shed light on how smoking increases the levels of carbon monoxide in the bloodstream, reducing the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells. According to Dr. Rakhit, this forces the heart to work harder to supply the body with the oxygen it needs, placing additional stress on the cardiovascular system. Smoking also raises blood pressure and heart rate, further straining the heart.
“Perhaps the most insidious aspect of smoking is that its effects are not limited to active smokers. Secondhand smoke poses a significant risk to those who are exposed to it. If you smoke, your loved ones may also be at risk. This underscores the importance of creating smoke-free environments for the benefit of everyone’s heart health,” stated Dr. Rakhit.
Remember that quitting smoking at any age can lead to significant improvements in heart health. Within just a few months of quitting, your risk of heart attack and stroke decreases, and your blood pressure begins to return to normal. Over time, the risk continues to decline, and your heart can start to heal.
As a society, we must strive for a smoke-free world to protect our collective heart health. This means supporting individuals in their efforts to quit smoking, implementing and enforcing strong tobacco control policies, and promoting public awareness of the dangers of smoking.
Dr. Rakhit points out, “The link between smoking and heart disease is undeniable. Choosing a smoke-free life is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your heart and ensure a healthier future. Whether you smoke or not, advocating for a smoke-free world is a vital step toward reducing the devastating toll that tobacco takes on our hearts and our lives. It’s time to say no to smoking for a strong heart in the future.”
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