Smoking
I already know smoking is bad. But is it extra-bad for people with CHD?
OK, so it’s no secret that doctors and nurses don’t like smoking. That’s a no-brainer. There are plenty of health reasons not to take up smoking. But there are also other reasons – it costs a lot of money, makes your breath stink, and turns your teeth yellow.
But what most of our patients with CHD want to know is why it’s worse for them. Here are the 2 reasons we don’t want you to smoke:
- It’s bad for your heart: Over time, cigarette smoking can actually cause blockages in the blood vessels supplying blood to the heart, leading to a heart attack. The nicotine can also make your heart beat faster and cause palpitations.
- It’s bad for your lungs: Smoking damages your lungs and makes it harder to breathe. Lots of our patients already have some problems keeping up with their friends during sports or exercise. Smoking will just make it harder. Smoking can also trigger an asthma attack.
Is vaping a better alternative?
Vaping may not have the tar and other chemical toxins associated with smoking – but the nicotine remains an ‘unhealthy choice’ when it comes to your heart. There is some evidence to suggest that nicotine products cause damage to the heart’s cells.
You can find out more here:
I smoke…but I want to quit!
First, let us congratulate you on your decision! We think you will be happy to know that:
- 20 minutes after your last cigarette, your blood pressure & heart rate return to normal
- 2 days after you stop smoking, your senses of smell & taste begin to return
- 1 year after you stop smoking, your risk of smoking-related heart disease is cut in half
- Within 3 years of quitting, your risk of smoking-related heart disease is about the same as someone who never smoked
- And you start saving money right away!
Please talk to your doctor or nurse about quitting.
You might also want to check out one of these helpful websites we found:
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