How Nicotine Affects Your Heart?

It is widely known that smoking is injurious to health. Despite the known health risks, people are still drawn to smoking due to the perceived social acceptance and relaxation it provides. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1.9 million people die each year from tobacco-induced heart disease.¹ It's evident that the short-term pleasure derived from smoking does not outweigh the long-term health risks associated with it. Tobacco contains a variety of chemicals and substances that can damage the heart and other organs, including nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, and arsenic. These toxic substances can cause serious health problems, including heart disease and stroke. In this article, we'll talk about nicotine, its harmful effects on health, and much more.

What Is Nicotine?

Nicotine is a chemical compound found in tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes, etc. This substance can be extremely addictive, leading to physical and psychological dependence. Note: E-cigarettes are generally considered to be less harmful than traditional cigarettes. However, e-cigarettes can be dangerous too. Their long-term effect on human health are being studied and concerns about lung damage, cardiovascular impact, etc. have been highlighted. Over time, this harmful chemical can significantly elevate your blood pressure, potentially leading to serious cardiovascular diseases. So, it's clear that the use of tobacco products can have dangerous consequences for your health, making it essential to avoid its consumption altogether.

How Does Nicotine Affect Your Heart?

Nicotine consumption can cause a number of health problems, including:
1️. High Blood Pressure
Nicotine stimulates the release of adrenaline - a substance released in the body in response to strong emotions such as excitement, fear, or anger. This adrenaline rush basically triggers the body's natural fight-or-flight response. This causes the heart to beat faster, the lungs to breathe faster and deeper, etc which all lead to a surge of energy. The energy boost that nicotine provides may be desirable in the short term, but it can be detrimental to one's health in the long term as it can increase the risk of high blood pressure.

2️. Coronary Heart Disease & Heart Failure
When a person is exposed to nicotine, their blood vessels constrict, and the heart cannot receive enough blood to function properly. Over time, this strain can lead to serious cardiac complications, such as Coronary Heart Disease, and eventually, even heart failure. As per WHO, tobacco smoking contributes to morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular disease. Globally, the disease contributes to 9.4 million deaths, or 16.6% of the 56 million deaths each year.² This highlights the importance of raising awareness about the dangers of smoking and nicotine consumption in order to reduce the risk of CHD and save lives.

3️. Heart Attack
Smokers have a higher risk of developing dangerous blood clots. So, the blood flow through the arteries can be partially or completely blocked by blood clots, potentially resulting in a heart attack, which is also known as a myocardial infarction.

4️. Arrythmia
Smokers are at an elevated risk of developing a heart condition, such as arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). This can lead to life-threatening medical conditions such as stroke, heart failure, or cardiac arrest.

How Do You Reduce Nicotine Use?

Here are some ways to cut back on your nicotine consumption -

1️. Try Nicotine Replacements
You may want to consider using nicotine replacement products or speak with your doctor about other medications. Using these products or medications can help reduce your desire to smoke, thus making it easier to quit.

2️. Take Control Of Your Cravings
Embrace the fact that cravings will pass. You need to find comfort in knowing that, with commitment and focus, you can break the habit of smoking and live a healthier life.

3️. Avoid Situations That Provoke Smoking
You should stay away from situations that trigger your smoking habit and focus on developing healthy behaviours and habits instead. Making small changes to your lifestyle, such as regular exercise and eating healthier, can help you stay focused on your goal of being smoke-free.

4️. Use Substitutes
Try chewing carrots, pickles, apples, celery, sugarless gum, or hard candy as a substitute for smoking. These alternatives can help keep your mouth occupied, helping you resist the physical and mental urges of smoking.

Wrapping up!

Nicotine is an addictive compound found in cigarettes and other products that contain tobacco. It can have a wide range of detrimental effects on health, including impacts on the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and immune system. So, ensure you are well aware of the risks associated with nicotine consumption and take the necessary measures to minimise your exposure. After all, there is nothing more important in life than health.