When you think of the long-term effects of smoking, you often think of lung disease and cancer.
However, smoking can adversely affect other aspects of your health including your heart health.
Cigarettes contain a host of toxins, including a particularly reactive chemical compound called acrolein.
Erik Jonsson / EyeEm / Getty Images
Acrolein is a yellow, foul-smelling vapor that is produced by burning plants, like tobacco.
It is also man-made and is so poisonous that it is used in both pesticides and chemical weapons.
Cholesterol moves through the bloodstream inside two distinct proteins that work in tandem.
Eating too many high-fat foods can tip this balance, and recent research suggests smoking can as well.
Acrolein interferes with the cleansing ability of HDL by attacking the protein.
The result: More fat accumulates in the bloodstream and throughout the rest of the body.
Due to this change in structure, the immune system is no longer able to recognize the LDL.
A 2007 study suggests that genetic factors play a significant role in cardiovascular disease risk among smokers.
This substance is called the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP).
This lowers HDL levels.
At first, arterial plaque buildup remains soft.
Over time, however, it can harden and even rupture, causing blood clots.
As the clogged arteriesa condition known asatherosclerosis progress, parts of the body may experience decreased blood flow.
Stroke, another common cause of death, is resulting from decreased blood flow to the brain.
Though smoking habits play a role in cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease risk,dietandactivity levelsare also a factor.
Individuals seeking advice on how to stop smoking or lower cholesterol levels should talk to their healthcare provider.
2017;17(3):227-236. doi:10.1007/s12012-016-9396-5
Huff T, Jialal I.Physiology, Cholesterol.
In:StatPearls[Internet].
Ference BA, Ginsberg HN, Graham I, et al.Low-density lipoproteins cause atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Evidence from genetic, epidemiologic, and clinical studies.
A consensus statement from the European Atherosclerosis Society Consensus Panel.Eur Heart J.
2019 Jun 25;73(24):3237-3241].J Am Coll Cardiol.
2019;73(24):e285-e350.
2015;10(4):e0123138.
In:Endotext[Internet].
Center for Disease Control.Know Your Risk for Heart Disease.Heart Disease.
2017;25(4):231242. doi:10.1007/s12471-017-0959-2
