Smoking stands out as a significant contributor to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in the United States, earning its place on Life’s Essential 8 list as a key factor affecting cardiovascular health (Figure 1) (1). With over 16 million individuals in the USA affected by diseases linked to smoking, its impact is substantial (2). While Sweden experiences lower smoking rates, this article aims to raise awareness and highlight the potential positive effects of policy interventions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Figure 1: Life\u2019s Essential 8<\/em>: healthy diet, participation in physical activity, healthy levels of blood lipids, glucose and blood pressure, healthy weight, avoidance of nicotine, and healthy sleep. Adopted from (1).<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sweden is on the path to achieving a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the world’s first nation to give up cigarettes (6). This achievement, 17 years ahead of the EU target date, is attributed to Sweden’s adoption of harm-reduction strategies in tobacco control. By making non-combustible alternatives like snus, oral nicotine pouches, and e-cigarettes accessible and acceptable, Sweden significantly reduced tobacco-related mortality rates, leading to lower cancer rates and deaths compared to other countries. The success of Sweden’s approach provides a realistic roadmap for creating a smoke-free world, potentially saving millions of lives globally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, many countries still face the negative impacts of smoking. Whether you smoke, know someone who does, or are curious about the link between smoking and CVD, keep reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (2). Smoking also increases the risk of tuberculosis, certain eye diseases, and problems of the immune system, including rheumatoid arthritis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association examined the impact of smoking on cardiovascular health (4). It included data from over 100,000 individuals and analyzed the long-term risks associated with smoking and different CVDs. Although it is well established that smoking is associated with cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, the study indicated that smoking is linked to an increased risk of fatal and nonfatal CVD events across different age groups and genders. Additionally, the study highlighted that smoking is associated with an earlier onset of CVD and a higher risk of fatal CVD events as the first manifestation of the disease. Overall, the study emphasized the significant impact of smoking on cardiovascular health and the importance of addressing smoking cessation to reduce CVD risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another study investigated the association between smoking and various causes of death in a large population (421,378 men and 532,651 women 55 years of age or older) over 11 years (3). The study found that smoking is linked to an increased risk of death from several diseases not traditionally known to be caused by smoking. These include infections, intestinal ischemia, hypertensive heart disease, renal failure, other respiratory diseases, and liver cirrhosis. The study suggests that the number of deaths caused by smoking could be significantly higher than current estimates. Overall, the findings highlight the potentially greater impact of smoking on mortality than previously thought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is important to emphasize that secondhand smoke- smoke from burning tobacco products and the smoke breathed out by a smoker, also harms health (5). Secondhand smoke causes stroke, lung cancer, and coronary heart disease, including heart attack and stroke in adults (2), (1). <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Can\u2019t get enough about heart health? Read our other articles on the components that play a role in achieving and maintaining an optimal heart:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Heart Health Basics<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Heart-Healthy Diets<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Heart Healthy Activity<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/nem.health\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/16-1024x1024.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSmoking in Sweden<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sweden statistics (6): <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Smoking is related to CVD in several ways. Smoking has the potential to (1):<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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In conclusion, understanding the detrimental effects of smoking on cardiovascular health is crucial for prevention and overall well-being. As we shed light on this aspect, avoiding smoking is not only beneficial for lung health but is also essential in preventing CVD. Although smoking in Sweden is less prevalent compared to other countries, some people still need help to quit smoking. At NEM, we are committed to a proactive approach to well-being, emphasizing prevention as a cornerstone of our philosophy. By providing personalized guidance and raising awareness about lifestyle choices, including avoiding smoking, we aim to empower individuals to take charge of their heart health and work towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/nem.health\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Silviya-profile-150x150.png\")
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