What are the major harms of smoking on cardiovascular health?

Smoking is considered one of the primary causes of many health problems, and it particularly impacts cardiovascular health. There is no safe level of smoking; even smoking a single cigarette per day can lead to smoking-related diseases and premature death [1].

The Effect of Smoking on Blood Vessels

Smoking causes direct damage to blood vessels, leading to negative changes that impede their normal function. The chemicals found in tobacco can damage the walls of blood vessels, making them thicker and narrower [1]. This process, known as atherosclerosis, reduces the elasticity of blood vessels and hinders the smooth flow of blood to the heart and the rest of the body's organs. Over time, fatty deposits can accumulate on the inner walls of the damaged arteries, further narrowing them and exacerbating the problem [1].

High Blood Pressure and Increased Heart Rate

Smoking leads to an immediate increase in heart rate and blood pressure [1]. This physiological response places additional strain on the heart, forcing it to work harder to pump blood through the narrowed blood vessels. With continued smoking, this pressure becomes chronic, increasing the risk of chronic high blood pressure and other heart diseases [1].

Increased Risk of Blood Clots and Stroke

Smoking significantly increases the risk of blood clot formation [1]. These clots form when platelets aggregate and stick to the damaged walls of blood vessels. If a blood clot breaks off and travels to the heart, it can cause a heart attack. If it reaches the brain, it can lead to a stroke [1]. E-cigarettes (vapes) also contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance that poses a health risk and can expose non-smokers to harmful chemicals in the secondhand aerosol [1]. For more information, see comprehensive health harms of smoking and effective cessation strategies (Arabic).

Harms of Hookah (Shisha) Smoking on the Heart

Smoking hookah is not a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes and carries many similar health risks, and some harms may even be greater. Hookah smoke contains many of the harmful components found in cigarette smoke, such as nicotine, tar, and heavy metals [2]. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance [2]. Additionally, the charcoal used to heat the hookah tobacco can produce high levels of carbon monoxide, metals, and cancer-causing chemicals, which increases health risks [2].

A person who smokes hookah for one hour (the typical time for a hookah session) inhales a much larger volume of smoke (approximately 90,000 ml), which is 100-200 times more than a person smoking one cigarette (approximately 500-600 ml) [2]. In a single smoking session, a hookah smoker can be exposed to nearly 9 times the amount of carbon monoxide and 1.7 times more nicotine compared to one cigarette [2]. These high levels of toxic substances increase the risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis [2].

Practical Steps and the Necessity of Quitting

Quitting smoking is one of the most important actions that can be taken to improve cardiovascular health [3]. The health benefits of quitting smoking begin immediately, including a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure, a reduction of carbon monoxide in the blood, and improved circulation [1]. The earlier one quits, the greater the benefits [1].

If you are experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or an abnormal heart rhythm, especially if you are a smoker, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms may indicate an acute cardiac problem that requires urgent medical evaluation. A healthcare provider can offer support and advice on the best methods to quit smoking, including behavioral therapy and medication aids [1].

Medical references

• Smoking
• Hookahs
• Cigarette Smoking