Smoking's impact on blood pressure: Explanatory information, FAQs, and further resources provided
Smoking is the leading cause of premature death in the United States, contributing significantly to the development of high blood pressure and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Smoking temporarily elevates blood pressure every time it is consumed, due to the stimulation of adrenaline release that causes the heart to beat faster. Over time, this repeated spike in blood pressure can lead to long-term hypertension.
The harmful effects of smoking on blood pressure are not limited to the immediate aftermath of consumption. Smoking also damages the lining of arteries, leading to atherosclerosis – the buildup of fatty deposits that narrow arteries, restrict blood flow, and increase blood pressure. This damage can accelerate the harmful effects of high blood pressure, dramatically increasing health risks.
Nicotine, the main active ingredient in cigarette smoke, stimulates the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine, hormones that increase blood pressure. This continuous stimulation can contribute to sustained high blood pressure and vascular stiffness.
The good news is that quitting smoking can help reduce high blood pressure. Greater reductions in blood pressure were found in people with high blood pressure compared to those with normal blood pressure. Joining a support group, such as Nicotine Anonymous, BecomeAnEX, or Freedom from Smoking, can provide encouragement and motivation.
Quitting smoking programs may have an inconclusive effect on high blood pressure, but one study in Taiwan from 2017-2018 found that the program significantly lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Efforts to quit smoking are four times more likely to succeed with support.
High blood pressure is a global health issue and often does not show symptoms. It is measured in two numbers: systolic (pressure during a heartbeat) and diastolic (pressure between beats). Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg, and high blood pressure is defined by some doctors as a reading consistently over 140/90 mm Hg.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers counseling, medication, and quitline coaching for people seeking assistance to quit smoking. They also recommend eating a nutritious, balanced diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a moderate weight, getting enough sleep, and limiting alcohol intake to prevent high blood pressure.
Vaping, using electronic cigarettes, may also increase the risk of high blood pressure. However, the effects of vaping on blood pressure are still being researched.
In conclusion, regular cigarette smoking elevates long-term blood pressure and cardiovascular risk by nicotine-induced sympathetic activation, direct arterial damage and inflammation, oxygen transport impairment, and promotion of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Quitting smoking can significantly lower these risks over time, with blood pressure and heart rate normalizing and vascular function improving. It is never too late to quit smoking and take control of your health.
- The continuous stimulation of adrenaline release from nicotine in cigarette smoke can lead to sustained high blood pressure and vascular stiffness.
- High blood pressure is a global health issue that often doesn't show symptoms, with normal blood pressure being less than 120/80 mm Hg.
- Smoking temporarily elevates blood pressure every time it is consumed, with repeated spikes potentially leading to chronic hypertension.
- The damage caused by smoking to the arteries can accelerate the harmful effects of high blood pressure, increasing health risks.
- Joining a support group, such as Nicotine Anonymous, BecomeAnEX, or Freedom from Smoking, can provide encouragement and motivation to quit smoking.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers assistance to quit smoking through counseling, medication, and quitline coaching.
- A balanced diet, regular exercise, maintaining a moderate weight, getting enough sleep, and limiting alcohol intake can help prevent high blood pressure.
- Vaping, or using electronic cigarettes, may also increase the risk of high blood pressure, although the effects are still being researched.
