While smoking cigarettes is often synonymous with health problems like lung disease, heart doctors are also quick to encourage patients to ditch the habit. In fact, one in five deaths related to heart disease is a result of smoking. With this in mind, here’s what you should know about tobacco and its connection to heart-related symptoms. 

Understanding the Connection Between Smoking & Heart Disease

How Does Smoking Cigarettes Affect Your Heart?

Tobacco contains the chemical nicotine. Through habitual smoking and the inhalation of nicotine, your blood pressure will increase, and the amount of oxygen that goes to your heart will be reduced. As such, your heart rate will speed up, your capacity for exercise will decrease, and you’ll be more likely to develop blood clots that lead to strokes and heart attacks. 

What Techniques Do Heart Doctors Recommend for Quitting?

The good news is that by quitting smoking early, you can prevent heart issues related to nicotine. Work with your cardiac care team and pick a quit day to abide by. On your first day not smoking, stay busy and consider using an FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapy, such as nicotine gum, patches, nasal spray, or lozenges.

Finding support within your network is helpful, so join a support group, social media group with other smokers trying to quit, or chat line. E-cigarettes and alternative therapies, such as hypnosis, acupuncture, and yoga and meditation, can also be helpful in curbing addictions. Mindfulness allows you to keep track and notice your urges to smoke, helping you to quit.  

Are you looking for a compassionate, experienced heart doctor to ensure you stay in good health? DiVagno Interventional Cardiology, MD, PA is located in Bergen County, NJ, and has been serving patients in Englewood Hospital Medical Center®, Hackensack University Medical Center®, and Holy Name Medical Center® for over two decades. To schedule your cardiac screening, call today at (201) 845-3535. For more information on this patient-focused team and their commitment to using the latest technologies to provide superior care, visit their website.