Cigarette smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths worldwide. It is estimated that smoking causes one in five deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and is a significant contributor to the development of peripheral artery disease (PAD), coronary artery disease (CAD), and stroke. Here is the impact of smoking on vascular health and provide tips on quitting for good.
Smoking causes damage to the endothelial lining of blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis can cause vascular diseases, including PAD, CAD, and stroke. Smoking also causes blood vessels to constrict, leading to high blood pressure and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of CVD and other vascular diseases, and the benefits can be seen as early as 20 minutes after quitting. After your one year of quitting, the risk of CVD is reduced by 50%, and after 15 years, the risk is similar to that of a non-smoker.
Quitting smoking is not easy, but many resources are available to help. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), such as gum, patches, and lozenges, can help reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Prescription medications can also be effective in helping people quit smoking.
In addition to medication, counseling and support can help quit smoking. Counseling can help individuals identify triggers and develop coping strategies to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Support groups, both online and in-person, will provide encouragement and support during the quitting process.
It is essential to remember that quitting smoking is a process and may take several attempts before success. It is also crucial to avoid triggers that can lead to smoking, such as stress or social situations. Finding ways to manage your stress can help reduce the urge to smoke.
Smoking significantly impacts vascular health, increasing the risk of developing a range of vascular diseases. Quitting smoking is one of the top effective ways to reduce this risk and improve overall health. With the right resources and support, anyone can quit smoking for good and improve their vascular health.