In a world where the allure of tobacco continues to captivate millions, World No-Tobacco Day stands as a resolute reminder of the profound toll smoking takes on our bodies. It is observed on May 31 every year and serves as a wake-up call, urging us to confront the harrowing reality of smoking on our health. In this article, our experts share insights on how it affects heart and eye health.
How Does Smoking Affect Your Heart?
Dr Viswesvaran Balasubramanian, Consultant Interventional Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, explained, “Smoking has significant adverse effects on the heart and cardiovascular system. The various adverse consequences related to the cardiovascular system include coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, brain stroke and peripheral artery disease.”
Dr Balasubramanian added that smoking is a major risk factor for developing Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). The chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage the inner lining of the blood vessels (endothelium), leading to plaque formation. This plaque buildup narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow to the heart, increasing the risk of heart attacks.
He further said smokers have a substantially higher chance of having a myocardial infarction when compared to nonsmokers. The toxins in cigarette smoke can trigger the formation of blood clots, which can block the blood flow through the coronary arteries and cause a heart attack. It also significantly increases the risk of stroke, which occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted.
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How Does Smoking Increase the Risk Of Heart Problems?
Dr Balasubramanian said that chronic smokers have higher blood pressure, both temporarily and permanently. This increase in blood pressure strains the heart and blood arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Dr Balasubramanian highlighted, "In addition to harming the heart, smokers are more prone to develop peripheral artery disease, characterised by constriction of blood vessels in the legs and limbs. This can cause limb soreness, numbness, and decreased blood flow."
How Does Smoking Affect Your Eye Health
Dr Ajay Sharma, Chief Medical Director, EyeQ, said, “Tobacco consumption remains a leading cause of preventable deaths, claiming the lives of nearly 1.35 million individuals annually in India. While the devastating impact on overall health is well-known, the detrimental consequences to eye health are often overlooked.”
Dr Sharma said that the toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke directly harm the eyes, significantly increasing the risk of macular degeneration and accelerating the development of cataracts, leading to blurred vision and eventual blindness. It also exacerbates dry eyes, worsens diabetic retinopathy, impairs night vision, damages the optic nerve, and aggravates various eye conditions like glaucoma and uveitis. Quitting smoking is vital to reduce these risks, preserve eye health, and mitigate the progression of existing eye conditions.”
Also Read: Not Just Your Lungs, Here’s How Smoking Is Bad For Your Bone Health Too
Message From The Experts
Dr Sharma said that we must unite as governments, organisations, and individuals to take strong action to protect eye health on this World No Tobacco Day. He added that by prioritising the health and well-being of all individuals over the profits of a harmful and addictive substance, we can ignite a global movement for a smoke-free world, where the flames of tobacco are extinguished, and the light of health and vitality shines brightly for everyone, including their precious eyesight.
Dr Balasubramanian said that it is critical to emphasise that the health risks of smoking are not limited to the heart. It is also a major cause of lung diseases, cancers, and various other health problems. Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke are crucial steps towards improving heart health and overall well-being.