How Smoking Affects Your Blood Vessels

What Happens to Your Blood Vessels Right After You Smoke?

The second you take a drag, your blood vessels start reacting. Smoking causes the blood vessels to narrow, making it harder for blood to flow freely. That’s because nicotine makes your blood vessels tighten up, which reduces the oxygen supply throughout your body. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve smoked for years or it’s just your first puff; your blood vessels will still constrict. This narrowing also forces your heart to work harder, leading to higher blood pressure. If you’ve noticed that your heartbeat seems more rapid after smoking, you’re not imagining things. Your blood is working overtime to push through the constricted vessels.

What Happens After Years of Smoking

Over time, smoking causes permanent damage to your blood vessels. The constant narrowing and damage make your blood vessels less elastic, meaning they can’t expand and contract like they’re supposed to. You may even start to develop plaque buildup, which can lead to clogged arteries. Clogged arteries mean your blood can’t flow properly, which can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease. Even if you don’t feel the effects right away, the damage is happening every time you light up. Your body’s ability to heal itself decreases as smoking continues, leaving your vascular health in a downward spiral.

The Vascular Diseases Linked to Smoking

Smoking is linked to a host of vascular diseases, but the big three are:

• Coronary Artery Disease: This is when the arteries around your heart get blocked, reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of a heart attack.
• Peripheral Artery Disease: Smoking is a major cause of PAD, which happens when your limbs don’t get enough blood flow. It can cause leg pain, and in severe cases, it might lead to amputation.
• Stroke: Smoking raises your risk of having a stroke by narrowing the blood vessels in your brain. This makes it harder for oxygen-rich blood to reach your brain, leading to potential long-term disability or even death.

If you’ve been thinking about seeking help from a dependable vascular doctor, now’s the time. They can assess how much damage has already been done and talk to you about vascular treatment options to help manage your health.

How Quitting Smoking Improves Your Vascular Health

Thankfully, your blood vessels can heal. The sooner you quit, the sooner your body starts to recover and your vascular health begins to improve. Within just days of quitting, your blood vessels will start to widen, allowing more oxygen to circulate through your body. Over time, the risk of plaque buildup decreases, and your arteries can start to regain some of their elasticity. It’s a gradual process, and it won’t happen overnight, but within a few months, your risk of heart disease and stroke can drop substantially. Your blood pressure will likely lower, and you’ll notice that you’re not getting winded as easily. Long-term, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your vascular health. A vascular care team can help monitor your progress and give you advice on how to improve your overall vascular health, even after years of smoking.

Are You Searching for a Local Vascular Specialist?

If you’re a smoker, the reality is that quitting is the best thing you can do for your blood vessels and overall health. Whether you’ve smoked for a month or for decades, your body has an amazing ability to heal once you stop. If you’re ready to take the next step but aren’t sure where to start, reaching out to a vascular specialist can help. They’ll evaluate your vascular health, explain what’s going on inside your body, and offer guidance on how to protect your blood vessels going forward. National Vascular Associates is here to help you take control of your vascular health and make those positive changes. Reach out today for vascular care that can help you achieve a healthier, smoke-free future. We can answer any questions you have and can also schedule your first appointment with an experienced vascular doctor.