The Impact of Smoking and Vaping on Cardiovascular Health

Smoking and vaping are two of the most dangerous habits for your health, especially when it comes to your heart and blood vessels. Smoking (both traditional and e-cigarettes) is a common cause of cardiovascular disease and is responsible for one in every four deaths from cardiovascular disease.

‍

Your cardiovascular system, which includes your heart and blood vessels, is responsible for pumping blood and oxygen throughout your body. When you smoke or vape, it can cause serious damage to your cardiovascular system, which can lead to disease.

‍

Keep reading to learn more about the full impact of smoking and vaping on your cardiovascular health.

‍

What Smoking Does to Your Blood and Blood Vessels 

‍

One of the main problems with smoking or vaping is that they cause your blood vessels to become narrow and thick. This makes it harder for blood to flow properly, which increases your blood pressure and puts extra stress on your heart. Over time, this can lead to heart disease, one of the leading causes of death in smokers.

‍

Smoking and vaping also reduce the amount of oxygen in your blood because the carbon monoxide from cigarettes or vapes takes the place of oxygen in red blood cells. When your heart doesn’t get enough oxygen, it has to work even harder to pump blood, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

‍

Smoking and High Cholesterol 

‍

Another way smoking and vaping can harm your cardiovascular system is by increasing the amount of bad cholesterol (LDL) and lowering good cholesterol (HDL) in your blood. High levels of bad cholesterol can cause fatty deposits to build up in your arteries, leading to a condition called atherosclerosis. This condition can block blood flow, making it harder for your heart to function.

‍

In short, smoking and vaping have a severe impact on your cardiovascular health. Quitting smoking and vaping can greatly reduce your risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. It’s never too late to make a change for the better! If you’re a smoker or vaper, talk to your provider about quitting and take the first step toward a healthier heart.

‍

The information on this site is for informational purposes only and should not replace direct medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.

‍

Sources: 

“Health Effects of Cigarettes: Cardiovascular Disease.” The Centers for Disease Control.

“Carbon monoxide from cigarettes causes oxygen debt.” UCLA Health.