How Smoking Damages Your Heart
Tips on How to Quit
Cardiac Risk Factors
A number of factors are linked to an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease . Some of these risk factors — such as being male or a woman past menopause or having a family history of heart disease — are factors you cannot change . Risk factors you can change include smoking , being overweight , your activity level , and how you manage stress . High cholesterol levels , high blood pressure , and diabetes can also be managed .
If you are at risk for developing heart disease , you can greatly reduce your risk by changing your habits . Have regular checkups and follow your doctor ’ s instructions . Your doctor and other healthcare team members will explain how to eliminate or reduce those risk factors that you can control . Eating a more healthful diet , losing weight , quitting smoking , and learning to manage stress are all ways to reduce your risk .
Quitting Smoking
How Smoking Damages Your Heart
� The nicotine in cigarettes causes your heart to beat faster and causes the blood vessels to narrow .
� The carbon monoxide in cigarettes is absorbed into your blood . This reduces the amount of oxygen in your blood , which means your heart has to work harder to function .
� Smoke damages the lining of the coronary arteries . This increases plaque buildup and narrows the arteries .
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� People who continue to smoke after a heart attack have twice the risk of another heart attack .
� Smoking raises the level of LDL cholesterol ( the cholesterol responsible for fatty plaque buildup ) and lowers the HDL ( the “ good ” cholesterol ).
Tips on How to Quit
Millions of people have quit smoking , and so can you . Take it one day at a time . Tell yourself , “ Today , I will not smoke .” Avoid temptation — don ’ t keep cigarettes in your home or car , and ask others around you not to smoke .
Staying active can help you quit smoking . You may find that walking outdoors decreases your desire to smoke . Exercise also helps hold down your weight if you are eating instead of smoking . Deep breathing exercises can also lessen the desire to smoke .
Change your routine at home and work so you are not following the same patterns as when you were smoking . Call a supportive friend or family member when you have an urge to smoke so he or she can help you get past the craving .
The urge to smoke lasts 2 to 3 minutes . When you feel the need to smoke :
� Eat raw carrots , celery , or other crisp vegetables .
� Brush your teeth .
� Find something to do with your hands .