Smoking

Smokers has a risk of developing heart disease that’s two to four time that of non-smokers. Smoking cigarettes is what’s known as an “independent factor.” In other words smoking all by itself can substantially increase the risk of sudden cardiac death.

Another shocking statistic

Here’s a shocking statistic: About 20% of all deaths from heat disease in the U.S. are directly related to cigarette smoking. This is because smoking is a major cause of coronary artery disease.

Twice the risk

If you are a smoker and have coronary heart disease, you have almost twice the risk of dying from heart disease than non-smokers. Smoking can act with other factors such as weight to greatly increase the risk for coronary heart disease.

 Cigars and pipes

While men who smoke cigars and pipes seem to also have a higher risk for heart disease – and possibly stroke – their risk factor is not as high as that of cigarette smokers.

 It narrows your arteries

The reason why smokers are more at risk for heart disease than non-smokers is because smoking accelerates the narrowing of the arteries or atherosclerosis. It can also increase the risk of blood clots that can block arteries.

A major cdause of blood vessel disease

The Surgeon General’s report in 1964 first noted the relationship between smoking and heart disease. Later reports revealed that there was a much stronger connection. In fact, heart disease research has shown that smoking is a major bause of diseases of blood vessels outside the heart.

Smoking is now considered one of the six independent risk factors for heart disease and heart attacks.

Smoking and cancer

In addition to being a major contributor to heart disease, smoking can cause cancers of the voice box, throat, esophagus, bladder, mouth, kidney and pancreas.

If you smoke, the best thing you can do to help ensure a long life it to quit.

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