We have all seen the extent to which smoking is incredibly destructive to heart health. Tobacco use is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease and significantly increases your risk for heart attack, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease of the legs. But there’s good news—stopping smoking is among the most important things you can do to protect your heart and improve your health.
How smoking affects your heart
When you smoke, harmful chemicals like carbon monoxide, nicotine, and tar enter your bloodstream. These substances damage the lining of your arteries, making them stiff and narrow, which reduces blood flow to your heart. Smoking also raises your blood pressure and heart rate, forcing your heart to work harder. Over time, these effects lead to plaque buildup in your arteries, increasing your risk of heart attack or stroke.
See the benefits almost immediately
Your body starts to heal when you quit smoking. Within 24 hours, your blood pressure and heart rate drop. After just one year smoke-free, your risk for heart disease is half that of a smoker. At 15 years, your risk will be close to that of a person who has never smoked.
Strategies to quit
To support the American Cancer Society’s “Great American Smokeout” campaign, here are a few strategies that can help you quit:
- Set a Quit Date: Set a target date to quit smoking. The Great American Smokeout (third Thursday of November) can serve as the beginning date.
- Get Support: Join a support group, or see a health professional for one-on-one counseling. Prescription medicines or nicotine replacement can help manage cravings.
- Change Your Routine: Figure out your smoking triggers and build healthier ways of dealing with stress by exercising or meditating.
- Stay Positive: Quitting is tough, but even small victories count. Celebrate your successes. Your heart will thank you if you quit. There’s no better time to start than now.
Take the first step this November and join the Great American Smokeout!
