Smoking and Cardiovascular Disease: Understanding the Risks

According to the American Heart Association, smoking is the most preventable cause of premature death in the United States. Smoking is the cause of more than 440,000 deaths each year.

Identification

• People who smoke cigarettes, have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This may lead to coronary artery disease and increase the risk of heart attacks.

Effects

• Smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by increasing blood pressure, decreasing tolerance to exercise, and increasing blood clotting tendencies. Smoking is also associated with recurrent heart disease after coronary bypass surgery.

Considerations

• Smoking carries a higher risk for those under 50 who smoke. Women who smoke and take oral contraceptives may be at an increased risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.

Theories/Speculation

• If you have a family history of heart disease, your chances of developing serious cardiovascular illness is greatly increased if you smoke. Smoking is thought to decrease the HDL (good) cholesterol in our bodies, and this may lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Potential

• There are potential risks of cardiovascular disease to those who inhale second-hand smoke. According to the American Heart Association, about 22,700 to 69,900 premature deaths occur each year from inhaling second-hand smoke.