Smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Duong Thi Tu, from the Cai Nuoc District Health Center, said: “When cigarette smoke enters the body, it causes several immediate effects on the heart and blood vessels. In the first minute of smoking, the heart rate begins to increase, potentially by up to 30% in the first 10 minutes of smoking.”

There is growing evidence linking smoking and cardiovascular disease. (Illustrative image)

Diseases that smokers are at high risk of developing include: atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, stroke, arrhythmias, sudden death, myocardial infarction, and aortic aneurysm. Atherosclerosis is caused by the accumulation of fatty substances in the arteries, obstructing and narrowing them. Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of coronary artery disease because the vascular lining is damaged by chemicals in cigarette smoke.

Scientific studies have also shown a causal relationship between smoking and myocardial infarction. Smoking has been identified as a serious risk factor for myocardial infarction in women under 50 years of age. Compared to non-smokers, the risk of coronary artery disease increases 1.6 times in former smokers, 3 times in those who smoke 1-14 cigarettes/day, and 5.5 times in those who smoke more than 14 cigarettes/day. The risk of developing and dying from coronary artery disease is 2.5-75 times greater than in non-smokers, depending on the level of smoking, gender, and age.

Cerebrovascular disease is a neurological syndrome caused by an interruption of blood flow to the brain. Damage can range from mild to severe depending on which area of the brain is affected and can be temporary (transient ischemia) or permanent (stroke). The risk of death from stroke is 1.3 to 2.1 times higher in smokers than in non-smokers, depending on the type of stroke.

Furthermore, another dangerous effect of cigarette smoke is the acute increase in blood pressure. Within minutes of smoking, the heart rate begins to increase. In response to this stimulation, blood vessels constrict, forcing the heart to work harder to pump oxygen.

"Some studies show that blood pressure returns to normal between smoking sessions, but smoking multiple times a day increases mean arterial pressure, leading to cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, smoking also reduces the effectiveness of hypertension treatment because the chemicals in cigarette smoke stimulate the liver to produce enzymes into the bloodstream, limiting the effectiveness of the medication," Dr. Tu explained.

Smoking multiple times a day increases mean arterial pressure, leading to cardiovascular diseases. (Illustrative image)

To prevent cardiovascular disease, one of the simplest measures is to avoid smoking and live in a smoke-free environment. In addition, a healthy lifestyle is necessary, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, controlling weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar, and undergoing regular health checkups.

Le Kim

Source: https://baocamau.vn/tang-nguy-co-mac-cac-benh-tim-mach-tu-hut-thuoc-la-a39656.html