It’s no surprise that smoking is dangerous for your health, but people still do not seem to understand the consequences they may have to face. Vein disease is amongst the possible diseases that a smoker can develop, but it is often overlooked because at first glance it does not appear as daunting.
How smoking affects your veins
There are tons of chemicals found in cigarettes that can restrict circulation and dilate blood vessels. Nicotine, arguably the most well-known chemical found in cigarettes, is responsible for much of the harm done to your veins. You may not even realize it, but this chemical causes coagulated arteries that lead to restricted blood flow. For this reason, there is a higher likelihood that you will develop blood clots, thereby affecting your veins.
In addition, tobacco products send chemicals into the bloodstream that thicken the blood and hinder the flow of oxygen. The slowed blood flow is directly correlated to the formation of varicose and spider veins, which are accompanied by symptoms of pain, discomfort, swelling, and at times ulcerations. Another even more severe venous issue you may have to worry about is deep vein thrombosis, which can be potentially life-threatening if left untreated.
Why you should quit smoking
Cigarette smoking puts your overall health at risk beyond just vein disease. Smokers can develop various diseases including lung cancer, heart disease, asthma, diabetes, and reproductive diseases just to name a few. If you continue smoking, you are only placing yourself and those around you in a detrimental position.
Some diseases that you are prone to but may not be as familiar with include atherosclerosis, buerger disease, and coronary artery disease. You are also hurting those around you by exposing them to secondhand smoke, meaning that even children may have to suffer the consequences of smoking-related disease as a result of your actions.
Not only should you quit smoking cigarettes, be sure to stay away from smoking from other sources like pipes, cigars, and nicotine vapes since you would be inhaling the same chemicals that put cigarette smokers at risk for vein disease. Breaking this bad habit will immediately lessen your risk of developing numerous diseases, so you will be well on your way to improving your health.
If you or someone you know would like to learn more about vein treatment, please feel free to schedule a consultation or contact one of our representatives today!
