subject: Smoking And Hypertension - Things You Need To Know [print this page] The risk of heart problems is increased for sufferers of hypertension who also smoke.
The big factor in hypertension is the narrowing of the blood vessels. With each puff from a cigarette, the blood vessels constrict even more, which will have a direct impact on high blood pressure, causing it to increase.
Hypertension risk factors:
Family history, gender, age, race, high body fat, stress and smoking.
Smoking contributes to the development of plaque on the walls of the blood vessels, resulting in a more narrow passageway which makes the work harder for the heart.
This puts added strain on the heart muscle and vessels, which can lead to inflammation. Additionally, the heart can become enlarged, which will affect the pumping action and the heart's ability to circulate blood to the rest of the body.
How you are affected by smoking:
There are thousands of toxins in cigarettes which enter your body every time you smoke. This reduces the amount of oxygen present in your system.
Nicotine promotes the production of adrenalin in the adrenal gland, which restricts the blood vessels and increases blood pressure.
Chemical properties of cigarettes:
Benzene (petrol additive)
This hydrocarbon comes from petrol and coal and is used as a solvent. It has been associated with leukemia and is known as a carcinogen.
Formaldehyde (embalming fluid)
A colorless liquid, highly poisonous, used to preserve dead bodies - also found in cigarette smoke. Known to cause cancer, respiratory, skin and gastrointestinal problems.
Ammonia (toilet cleaner)
Used as a flavoring, frees nicotine from tobacco turning it into a gas, found in dry cleaning fluids.
Acetone (nail polish remover)
Fragrant volatile liquid ketone, used as a solvent, for example, nail polish remover - found in cigarette smoke.
Tar Particulate
This is a substance that enters the lungs when you inhale, with around 70% of it remaining their on the wall of the lungs.
Nicotine (insecticide/addictive drug)
One of the most addictive substances known to man.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) (car exhaust fumes)
This gas is tasteless and without odor, but is fatal in large quantities.
Arsenic (rat poison),
Hydrogen Cyanide (gas chamber poison)
Your risk of heart attack is greater if you suffer from hypertension, and your blood pressure increases when you smoke. This makes the two of these together a deadly combination.
Your health care professional can best assist you options available to help you kick the nicotine habit for good.
