Quit Smoking

Smoking is directly linked to higher cholesterol levels. Smoking raises the levels of LDL (low density lipoproteins), the bad cholesterol, while depleting HDL (high density lipoproteins), the good cholesterol, levels. Worldwide, smoking is the main culprit in 20% of heart disease deaths. Cigarette smoking is thus the most modifiable risk factor for coronary heart disease. 80% of heart attacks in men under 45 years of age can be traced to cigarette smoking. A cigarette smoker has 2 to 3 times the risk of suffering a heart attack. For heavy smokers, the risk of a fatal heart attack is 10 to 15 times that of a nonsmoker. Even light smokers are at a high risk of developing coronary heart disease. Women smokers are not immune either: even as few as 4 cigarettes a day can lead to a 2.5% increase in fatal coronary disease.

Effects of Smoking

To reiterate, smoking drastically raises blood cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol increases arteriosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque around arterial walls in the heart, by a staggering 50%. Apart from damaging arteries, nicotine in cigarettes can lead to heart palpitations. Smoking also leads to raised fibrinogen levels and platelet counts which make the blood stickier. Inhaled carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke also raises blood cholesterol levels; carbon monoxide attaches itself to hemoglobin, which diminishes overall oxygen supply. It is estimated that smoking impairs blood circulation for up to 45 minutes by constricting small blood vessels. Result is atherosclerosis where blood flow in heart muscle is impeded because of narrowed arteries. A blood clot or thrombosis occurs where a part of the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen and dies.

Conclusion

Smoking engenders a vicious circle that invariably leads to coronary heart disease. Smokers are also at higher risk of developing abdominal aortic aneurysms where ballooning and bursting of the arterial wall leads to death. Again, smokers are more likely to suffer from cerebral thrombosis or a stroke, or a cerebral hemorrhage, and peripheral vascular disease. Considering its devastating consequences, it is prudent to quit smoking. Studies found that giving up smoking can reverse heart disease; good cholesterol or HDL levels automatically rise, driving down LDL levels. Within 24 hours of quitting, risk of a heart attack subsides. Within one year, the risk of heart disease is half that of a smoker. And within 15 years the risk of heart disease is similar to someone who never smoked. It makes good sense to quit smoking and reap a range of health benefits that translate into good heart health.

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