Factor 6. Smoking: A Cloud of Trouble
Smoke your way to heart disease – a harsh reality for smokers. While most associate smoking primarily with lung disease, it’s crucial to know that this habit is a major risk factor for heart disease as well.
So, how does smoking harm your heart?
Each puff of smoke causes immediate harm, releasing toxins that damage cells, leading to inflammation and oxidative stress. Over time, these toxins damage blood vessels, making them thick and narrow. This interferes with blood flow and can lead to a buildup of plaque – a condition known as atherosclerosis. Smoking also increases heart rate, constricts major arteries, and can cause an irregular heart rhythm, all of which make your heart work harder.
Kicking the habit can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Regardless of how long or how much you’ve smoked, quitting will benefit your heart. It’s never too late to quit, and it’s a decision your heart will thank you for. (6)
