What Cardiologists Want You to Know About Smoking and Heart Disease

Smoking is a habit that affects many parts of the body, but one of the most serious effects is on the heart. The connection between smoking and heart disease has been studied for many years, and doctors who specialize in heart health, called cardiologists Dubai, want people to understand how dangerous smoking can be. Knowing the facts can help you make better choices for your heart.

The Ways in Which Smoking Harms the Heart

When you smoke, harmful chemicals enter your body and affect your blood vessels. These chemicals can cause the vessels to narrow and become less flexible. This makes it harder for blood to flow freely, raising the chance of blockages. Blocked blood vessels can lead to heart attacks or strokes.

Smoking also raises blood pressure and makes your heart work harder. Over time, this extra work can weaken the heart. Carbon monoxide, a gas in cigarette smoke, reduces the amount of oxygen your blood can carry. This means your heart has to pump even more to get enough oxygen to your body.

Risks for Smokers

People who smoke have a higher risk of many heart problems. These include coronary artery disease, where the blood vessels that supply the heart get clogged. Smoking also increases the chance of developing heart rhythm problems and heart failure, where the heart doesn’t pump as well as it should.

Even occasional smoking or using other tobacco products can raise the risk of heart disease. Cardiologists warn that there is no safe level of smoking when it comes to heart health.

How Quitting Helps the Heart

Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your heart. Within weeks of quitting, your blood pressure and heart rate begin to improve. Over time, your blood vessels start to heal, and the risk of heart attacks and strokes drops.

Cardiologists often recommend quitting smoking alongside other healthy habits, such as eating well and being active. Support groups, counseling, and medicines can also help people stop smoking for good.

If you smoke or have smoked in the past, talking with a cardiologist can help you understand your heart health better. They can check for any early signs of heart problems and guide you on the best steps to protect your heart.