Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) encompass conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease (PAD). In the U.S., coronary heart disease (CHD), caused by plaque buildup in the arteries that supply blood to the heart, is the most common form of heart disease. This plaque, made up of cholesterol and other substances, narrows the arteries over time in a process called atherosclerosis, leading to chest pain, heart attacks, heart failure, or arrhythmias. Strokes occur when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts, causing brain damage or death. PAD, similar to CHD, involves the narrowing or blockage of arteries, primarily affecting the legs and lower body due to plaque buildup.
FACTS
- Smoking is a major cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and is responsible for one in every four deaths from CVD.
- Secondhand smoke exposure causes heart disease and stroke.
- Quitting smoking can protect people from cardiovascular disease and death. People who already have heart disease also benefit from quitting smoking.
Smoking is a leading contributor to cardiovascular disease (CVD), responsible for one in every four CVD-related deaths. It can:
- Raise triglycerides (a type of fat in your blood)
- Lower “good” cholesterol (HDL)
- Make blood sticky and more likely to clot, which can block blood flow to the heart and brain
- Damage cells that line the blood vessels
- Increase the buildup of plaque in blood vessels
- Cause thickening and narrowing of blood vessels
Smoking increases the risk of many CVDs including:
- Atherosclerosis
- Coronary heart disease (CHD), including heart attack and sudden cardiac death
- Stroke
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
In conclusion, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) pose a significant health risk, often leading to life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease. The buildup of plaque in arteries and the harmful effects of smoking are key contributors to these diseases, with smoking alone accounting for one in four CVD-related deaths. Understanding the causes and consequences of CVD, along with adopting healthier lifestyle choices like quitting smoking, is crucial for reducing the prevalence of these conditions and improving overall heart health.
Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/about/cigarettes-and-cardiovascular-disease.html
