Cigarettes Hurt Women’s Hearts Even More Than Men’s

Think male smokers are at the highest risk of heart disease?

Think again…

We all know smoking increases your risk of heart disease, but several recent studies have shown women who smoke have a 25% greater risk than men who smoke.  (Read about the studies in this article from MedPageToday.com) The studies also indicated female smokers’ risk increased 2% each year.

Scientists suspect women’s bodies absorb more of the toxins in cigarette smoke, which would explain why women smokers have double the risk of lung cancer as male smokers. In more good news, it appears men fare better after they quit than women as well.

Tobacco companies have targeted young women with advertising, and it has worked.  “What makes the realization that women are at increased risk worrisome is that the tobacco industry views women as its growth market,” wrote Matthew A. Steliga, MD, and Carolyn M. Dresler, MD, from the University of Arkansas in Little Rock.

If you smoke, quit. The benefits begin the first day you quit — find resources to help you quit here.

Support Smoking Bans: Keeping indoor air free of smoke works. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine reported a significant reduction in Emergency Room visits for chest pain after a smoking ban is put in place.

If you live elsewhere join the efforts of Tobacco Free Kids and the American Heart Association’s You’re the Cure Network.

Talk with your doctor. Be aware of your risk factors and how your habits and medication affect your likelihood of heart disease.

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death. Live longer and healthier by breathing free everyday.

Eliz Greene works busy people to improve heart health, so they can work well, feel better, and stress less.

She is a heart attack survivor and the author of the Busy Woman’s Guide to a Healthy Heart as well as 3 other books on wellness. She writes one of the top 50 health and wellness blogs and is a sought-after wellness & stress management speaker.

If you are planning a women’s wellness program, workplace wellness program or programs for healthcare professionals check out EmbraceYourHeart.com to see if Eliz would be a good fit with your organization.