February is American Heart Month. This serves as a time to raise awareness about heart disease and the ways we can reduce our risk of developing heart-related conditions. One of the most significant contributors to heart disease is tobacco use. Smoking, in particular, is one of the leading preventable causes of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the United States.
Tobacco use damages nearly every organ in the body, with the heart being one of the most affected. Smoking causes the narrowing of blood vessels, increases blood pressure, and reduces oxygen flow to the heart. Over time, this can lead to the development of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries), which restricts blood flow and increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events.
When a person smokes, they are inhaling harmful chemicals like nicotine, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde, all of which have direct and indirect effects on the cardiovascular system:
- Nicotine causes the blood vessels to constrict, raising blood pressure and making the heart work harder to pump blood.
- Carbon monoxide reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood, which means the heart has to work even harder to supply the body with enough oxygen.
- Toxins and chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage the lining of blood vessels, leading to inflammation and increasing the likelihood of blood clots, which can cause heart attacks or strokes.
Quitting smoking has immediate and long-term benefits for heart health. In fact, the benefits start as soon as 20 minutes after quitting.
Within a year of quitting, a person’s risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half compared to that of a smoker. After 5 years, the risk of stroke is reduced to that of a non-smoker, and after 10 years, the risk of lung cancer and heart disease continues to decline. It’s never too late to quit. Even if someone has been smoking for many years, quitting can significantly improve their heart health and overall well-being.
It’s important to also address the dangers of secondhand smoke, which can affect those who don’t smoke directly. Exposure to secondhand smoke is a significant risk factor for heart disease. It has been shown that living with a smoker increases the risk of heart disease and stroke by as much as 30%. Secondhand smoke contains the same harmful chemicals as the smoke inhaled by smokers, making it a serious health threat for anyone exposed to it.
One of the most troubling trends is the rise of tobacco use among youth, particularly with the popularity of e-cigarettes and vaping. Many young people do not realize the long-term impact smoking or vaping can have on their cardiovascular health. Nicotine, found in both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes, can have lasting effects on the development of the heart and lungs, leading to an increased risk of heart disease later in life.
American Heart Month serves as a reminder that heart disease is a major public health issue, and tobacco use remains one of the leading contributors to cardiovascular problems. During this month, individuals can take steps to educate themselves and others on the risks associated with tobacco and the importance of quitting.
Here are a few ways to get involved:
- Quit Smoking: If you smoke, take the first step towards quitting. Many resources are available to help, such as quitlines, support groups, and apps designed to help you kick the habit.
- Spread Awareness: Share the message about the dangers of tobacco use with friends, family, and colleagues. Awareness is a key step in reducing smoking rates and improving public health.
- Support Policy Changes: Advocate for policies that reduce tobacco use, including raising taxes on tobacco products, banning smoking in public places, and promoting smoke-free environments.
American Heart Month is an opportunity to reflect on how we can better protect our hearts. Tobacco use, both in the form of smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, is a major risk factor for heart disease. Quitting smoking, educating others about its risks, and supporting policies aimed at reducing tobacco use are all important steps toward improving heart health. Whether you are a smoker, a former smoker, or someone who has never smoked, your heart health matters, and this month serves as an important reminder to take proactive steps toward a healthier future.
For more information or support, please visit the resources below:
- Visit 802Quits.org to learn more about quitting smoking and other tobacco use in Vermont. 802Quits offers free resources for building cessation plans, alternatives to cravings, and support getting started and moving forward.
- My Life, My Quit is a free and confidential resource for youth to learn more about quitting smoking and vaping. Visit mylifemyquit.org or text 36072 to learn more, and talk to a coach.