Avoid smoking for Hypertension / High Blood Pressure

Smoking is highly detrimental to cardiovascular health and is closely linked to high blood pressure. The chemicals in cigarettes cause immediate and long-term damage to the heart and blood vessels, making it a significant risk factor for hypertension.

- Narrows Blood Vessels: Cigarettes contain nicotine, a stimulant that causes blood vessels to constrict, or narrow. This tightening of blood vessels increases the resistance to blood flow, leading to a rise in blood pressure. The more restricted the blood flow, the harder the heart has to work, causing elevated blood pressure.

- Increases Heart Rate: Nicotine stimulates the release of adrenaline, which causes the heart to beat faster. An increased heart rate forces the heart to pump more blood in a shorter period, further raising blood pressure.

- Damages Blood Vessels: Smoking damages the lining of the arteries, making them more prone to hardening and plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). The stiffening of arteries reduces their flexibility, which makes it harder for blood to flow smoothly, increasing blood pressure.

- Lowers Oxygen in Blood: The carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke binds to hemoglobin, reducing the amount of oxygen in the blood. This forces the heart to work harder to deliver enough oxygen to the body’s tissues, contributing to elevated blood pressure.

- Promotes Inflammation: Smoking triggers inflammation in the blood vessels, leading to further narrowing and making hypertension worse. Chronic inflammation also accelerates the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

- Impairs Medication Effectiveness: For those on blood pressure medication, smoking can reduce the effectiveness of treatment. The combination of smoking and medication may require more aggressive interventions to control blood pressure levels.