Heart Disease: Smoking Vs. Drinking

Smoking cigarettes and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol both have well documented negative effects on the heart. The damage that these habits do to the artery can lead to chronic disease, strokes and heart attacks. Cessation of smoking and alcohol abuse can have numerous positive effects on your health. If you are concerned about your levels of smoking or drinking, talk to a medical professional.

Smoking and the Heart

• The American Heart Association points out that cigarette smoking is the most prevalent cause of preventable death in the United States. Many of these deaths are from cardiac disease that are linked to smoking. Cigarettes are a major cause of coronary heart disease, the precursor of heart attacks. Cigarette smoking causes the buildup of dangerous fats in the arteries, and decreases the levels of good cholesterol. Smoking is also a major risk factor for stroke and aortic aneurysm.

Secondhand Smoke

• Cigarette smoking poses a danger to people in the surrounding area. The AHA points out that 22,700 to 69,700 preventable deaths a year from heart and blood vessel disease are due to secondhand smoke.

Alcohol and Heart Disease

• The American Heart Association points out that excessive alcohol consumption can have a number of negative effects on the heart. Too much alcohol may raise the levels of fats in the blood, and can also lead to high blood pressure and heart failure. The caloric intake associated with alcohol may lead to obesity, which puts a strain on the heart muscle. Alcohol consumption may also increase the risk of stroke and sudden cardiac death.

What is Safe Drinking?

• The American Heat Association recommends that you refrain from drinking if you do no already drink alcohol. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that two drinks day for men and one for women should have no negative health effects. Drinking five or more alcoholic beverages in one sitting is considered binge drinking, and it may increase the chance of alcohol related disorders.

Talk to Your Doctor

• If you are concerned with nicotine or alcohol's effect on your heart, talk to your doctor. He can help you get a picture on any damages done, further inform you of the risks, and help you develop a strategy for quitting.