SMOKING AND ITS EFFECT ON THE HEART AND BLOOD VESSELS

Smoking is one of the leading preventable causes of heart disease and illness. It has a very harmful impact on the heart and blood vessels, and is a major cause of coronary artery disease, cardiac arrest, and strokes.

Any specialist cardiologist in Dubai will tell you that smoking side effects greatly increases your risk for cardiovascular disease. Diseases like coronary artery disease are severe and in many cases, are fatal. Treatment involves surgery from an interventional cardiologist, and hence prevention is a much better alternative than cure.

Effects of Smoking on Heart and Blood Vessels

Atherosclerosis

This is a disease in which the blood vessels become more stiff and inelastic due to the build-up of plaque. Chemicals in cigarettes cause the build-up of plaque and hence lead to atherosclerosis. When this occurs, the flow of oxygen-rich blood throughout the body becomes limited.

Clots

In addition to plaque, chemicals in cigarettes causes the blood to thicken. It also increases the formation of blood clots in the arteries and veins. This causes more blockage in the vessels and restricts the healthy flow of oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. This blockage can lead to cardiovascular diseases and sudden heart attacks.

Constricted Vessels

Nicotine in cigarettes causes the blood vessels to constrict and become narrow. This leads to a restricted flow of blood to the heart and body. Due to the stiff and narrow blood vessels, oxygen and other nutrients which are present in the blood are unable to effectively reach cells in the body.

Enlarged Heart

Cigarettes contain carbon monoxide, which bind with hemoglobin, the molecule in blood that is responsible for carrying oxygen. When carbon monoxide from smoking binds with hemoglobin, oxygen cannot be delivered to cells in the body. As a result, the heart becomes enlarged, as it pumps more blood throughout the body to compensate for the lack of oxygen.

Heart Diseases Caused by Smoking

The above mentioned effects of smoking change the structure and function of the heart. The enlarged heart and blocked blood vessels and arteries make it difficult to transport oxygen and nutrient-rich blood throughout the body.

These smoking side effects can lead to the following cardiovascular diseases:

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease occurs when excessive plaque builds up in the major arteries that pump blood from the heart. This plaque is created by cholesterol, lipids, and chemicals from smoking. It can take many years to build up. Symptoms of coronary artery disease are chest pain, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases can lead to a heart attack.

Heart Attack

A heart attack is a severe medical condition that occurs when blood supply to the heart becomes completely blocked. This is often due to a blood clot or plaque, both of which are smoking side effects. A heart attack can be fatal, and requires immediate emergency medical care. It often requires immediate surgery by an interventional cardiologist.

Stroke

A stoke is another severe medical condition that occurs when blood supply to the brain becomes blocked or restricted. As a result, brain tissues are unable to receive oxygen and nutrients from the blood, and brain cells begin to die. Strokes can be extremely fatal and therefore require immediate emergency medical attention.

Clearly, smoking side effects can cause severe cardiovascular disease. Quitting smoking is necessary to reduce the risk of heart disease. If you are a smoker and experiencing any symptoms of heart disease, then visit a specialist cardiologist right away.

For the best specialist cardiologist and interventional cardiologist in Dubai, visit the German Heart Centre. Here you will find the best specialist cardiologists with extensive experience in treating various heart disease and providing treatment to reduce risks of cardiovascular disease.

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