However, the incident has left many to introspect as to what could have caused such an incident. Giving an update about the actor’s condition, Dr. Dora also said, “Since he has suffered a heart attack, he has to lead a healthy lifestyle and take care of his diet. He is exercising regularly and he has to continue it. He has been asked to take complete rest at home after being discharged. He will undergo cardiac rehabilitation after a week. They have been informed about the same. He will be back to normal in two to three weeks.
Our lifestyle choices have often been linked to our heart and overall health. In addition to diet, fitness and mental health, we must pay due attention to the habits and addictions that develop over time. One of the reasons behind blockage of arteries and heart attack is linked to cigarette smoking. Research has shown that smoking elevates the heart rate, constricts major arteries, and can cause an irregular heart rhythm, all of which can take a toll on your heart, making it harder to work harder.
The link between cigarette smoking (nicotine) and heart health
According to Dr. Talha Meeran, Consultant Cardiologist, Advanced Cardiac Sciences and Heart Transplant, “Cigarette smoking accounts for about 10-15% of cardiovascular deaths worldwide. It is linked to many cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, brain stroke, blood clotting and hardening of the arteries not only in the heart but also in the arms and legs.”
“Smoking causes stiffness and plaque buildup within the blood vessels that carry oxygen to the heart muscle. It can also cause sudden changes in existing age-related plaque. Thus increasing the risk of heart attack.” ”
While nicotine is the main chemical compound in cigarettes, other active agents and chemicals such as tar and carbon monoxide can also prove dangerous to the heart.
Throwing light on the same, Dr. Ruchi Shah, Interventional Cardiologist, Masina Hospital, Mumbai says, “Smoking is a poison for the heart. Smoking causes nicotine and tar to accumulate inside the arteries of the heart, brain and all blood vessels, This leads to heart attack, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.”
Doctors believe that smoking a single cigarette increases the risk of heart attack manifold, because it is so “harmful” and says that every cigarette shortens your life by 5 to 7 minutes . In addition, he also suggests that the effects of smoking stay in your body for at least 6 to 12 months, unfortunately.
That said, experts have repeatedly cautioned against smoking any amount. No amount is safe and both men and women, if they smoke, are at high risk of developing cardiovascular problems.
Does smoking increase the risk of heart attack?
Since smoking can lead to a buildup of fat deposits or plaque in one or more coronary arteries, it can constrict blood vessels, while reducing blood flow to the heart and increasing the risk of heart attack.
“We all know as of today that smoking causes the deposition of these nicotine and tar particles in your heart and this causes heart blocks to burst leading to massive heart attacks. We have seen smoking and youthful heart attacks. have seen a strong correlation between,” says Dr. Shah.
A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) also suggests that smokers are more likely to experience an acute cardiovascular event at a younger age than non-smokers. According to the Global Health Agency report, 1.9 million people die each year from tobacco-induced heart disease, which is equivalent to one in all deaths from heart disease. The diseases majorly include high blood pressure, stroke and heart attacks.
What do doctors advise you to do?
“Quitting smoking has to be and quitting smoking is probably the most important thing you can do for your heart health. Quitting smoking reduces nicotine levels for 24 to 48 hours,” says Dr. Shah explains.
He adds, “We urge our patients to quit smoking completely. That means no active smoking or passive smoking. This is the most important thing you can do for your heart health.”
Dr. Meeran is also of the same opinion and says that quitting smoking can remove some of the ill effects that come with the deadly habit. Quitting smoking at a young age ie. The age below 40 years has proved to be the most beneficial. However, the doctor believes that it is never too late to quit smoking.
The WHO also claims that tobacco control is a key factor in reducing heart disease.
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