Most people associate cigarette smoking with breathing problems and lung cancer. But smoking is also a major cause of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease. Smoking and tobacco use are significant risk factors for a variety of chronic disorders.
Link between smoking and cardiovascular disease
Smoking is a major cause of atherosclerosis – a buildup of fatty substances in the arteries. Atherosclerosis occurs when the normal lining of the arteries deteriorates, the walls of the arteries thicken and deposits of fat and plaque block the flow of blood through the arteries. In coronary artery disease, the arteries that supply blood to the heart become severely narrowed, decreasing the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart, especially during times of increased activity. Extra strain on the heart may result in chest pain (angina pectoris) and other symptoms. When one or more of the coronary arteries are completely blocked, a heart attack (injury to the heart muscle) may occur.
Cardiovascular diseases linked with smoking
There are a number of cardiovascular diseases that are associated with smoking. They include heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. It is estimated that around 13% of cardiovascular disease deaths are due to smoking.
Coronary heart disease (CHD)
Smoking is one of the major risk factors for heart attack. The risk of developing CHD increases with length and intensity of exposure to cigarette smoke. Among people less than 65 years of age, it is estimated that 36% of CHD in men and 33% in women is attributable to cigarette smoking. In all cases, risk increases with increased consumption.
Stroke
Smoking may cause an artery in the brain to become blocked by a blood clot or other debris carried in the bloodstream. This cuts off the blood supply to the surrounding brain cells and causes them to die. This can affect thinking, movement, speech and/or the senses. About a third of those who have a stroke die within 12 months.
Peripheral vascular disease
Nine out of ten people with this disease are smokers. Immediately stopping smoking is the
most important treatment for this disease.
