Hey everyone, it’s Dr. Gunjan Kapoor here! Today, let’s talk about smoking and your heart. It’s not just a bad habit—it’s a major threat to your heart health. Did you know smoking is as bad for your heart as it is for your lungs?
Smoking and Cardiovascular Disease
This habit raises your risk of stroke, heart attacks, and blocked arteries. Imagine your heart bombarded by toxins daily. You’re inviting disaster.
How Smoking Damages Your Heart
Smoking damages arteries, lowers good cholesterol, raises bad cholesterol, and leads to plaque buildup. It thickens blood, increases blood pressure, and reduces oxygen transport. Nicotine overworks your heart by increasing heart rate and blood pressure.
Smoking: Effects on Different Organs
– Lungs: COPD, lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, emphysema
– Heart: Coronary heart disease, heart attacks, strokes
– Brain: Stroke, cognitive decline, dementia
– Oral Health: Mouth/throat cancer, gum disease, tooth loss
– Reproductive Health: Infertility, pregnancy complications
– Other Cancers: Bladder, stomach, pancreatic
– Skin: Premature aging, skin cancers
– Bones: Osteoporosis, fractures
Smoking in India
The situation in India is alarming, especially among young women. While overall tobacco consumption has declined, smoking has more than doubled among teen girls. Adolescents are picking up the habit at an alarming rate.
Smoking Among Girls
Over a decade, smoking among girls jumped by 3.8 percentage points to 6.2%. This spike indicates a troubling trend that needs urgent attention.
Reasons for Increased Smoking in Girls
Reasons include peer pressure, media influence, and targeted marketing by tobacco companies portraying smoking as fashionable and empowering.
Smoking Trends: Western Countries vs. India
In Western countries, smoking rates are decreasing due to health initiatives. In contrast, India is seeing a rise, especially in urban areas, influenced by changing norms and marketing.
Increased Risk for Female Smokers
Female smokers face greater health risks. They have a higher risk of coronary heart disease, lung cancer, COPD, and reproductive health issues. Smoking-related diseases cause over 7 million deaths annually globally.
Second-hand Smoke and Heart Health
Even non-smokers are at risk. Second-hand smoke increases the risk of heart disease by up to 30%. Children exposed to second-hand smoke face higher risks of respiratory infections, asthma, and SIDS.
The Dangerous Duo: Smoking and Alcohol | Amplified Cancer Risks
When these two habits join forces, the risks skyrocket. For those who smoke and drink alcohol, the risk of developing cancer increases fivefold. This includes cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon, and breast. Heavy drinkers face a staggering 30-fold increased risk of cancer and other malignancies.
The Combined Assault
The combined toxins from smoking and alcohol wreak havoc on your cells, weakening your immune system and making it harder for your body to repair DNA damage. This synergy dramatically escalates the likelihood of malignant transformations in tissues.
Why Quitting Smoking is Tough
Quitting smoking is tough due to nicotine addiction, psychological habits, social influences, and stress coping mechanisms. But understanding these challenges can help you succeed.
Stay Tuned!
Stay with us to explore the benefits of quitting smoking, tackle the challenges, and discover strategies for a smoke-free future. Every step towards quitting is a step towards a healthier, happier you. See you next time!
