In part four of the “American Hearth Month” theme for February I continue with heart disease issues on this and my other blog NewMexicoRD.blogspot.com. Here continues the discussion of modifiable risk factors for heart disease.
Cigarette Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States and a significant independent risk factor for heart disease. Aside from the obvious cancer risk, cigarette smoking also contributes to heart disease, including increasing the risk of developing plaques in the arteries.
Even if you are not overweight and eat healthy, you are at significant risk for heart disease if you smoke.
If you are able to exercise, yet still smoke, you are still at significant risk for heart disease.
Smoking increases blood pressure and increased the risk of a blood clot.
Smoking decreases HDL-cholesterol (the one you want to be HIGH).
If YOU don’t smoke, but live with someone who does: premature deaths from heart disease are still significant even when it comes from other people’s smoke.
Need assistance in quitting? Ask you primary care provided about prescriptions for quitting, or contact 1-800-QUIT-NOW for more assistance on how to quit. Your life or the life of your family may depend on it.
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