How Tobacco Causes Heart Disease
- According to the University of Virginia, "Cigarette smokers are two to four times more likely to develop coronary heart disease (CHD) than nonsmokers." Thus, tobacco has a significant effect on the heart's health and is detrimental to an individual's overall health. As heart disease causes a fifth of smokers' deaths, according to the University of Virginia, the effects of tobacco use must be taken quite seriously.
- Tobacco is one of the six major causes of CHD, according to the University of Virginia. Since it increases blood pressure and causes blood clotting, it presents great danger to the heart and circulation. Furthermore, tobacco use decreases an individual's tolerance for exercise, thus blockading the possibility of improving the heart through cardio workouts.
- Although tobacco alone presents a significant danger to coronary health, conjoining tobacco use with other factors vastly augments the effects of tobacco. For instance, a smoker who has previously had bypass surgery has an increased risk for heart disease. In addition, a woman over 35 who smoke and takes oral contraceptives can do extensive damage to her heart.
Thus, tobacco's effects on the blood cause significant damage to the heart. Yet, if any other heart-damaging factors exist, tobacco can cause even greater damage.
