Chewing Tobacco: A Silent Killer for Your Heart

Chewing tobacco, a popular form of smokeless tobacco, is often perceived as a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes. However, scientific evidence paints a grim picture: chewing tobacco poses significant risks to heart health.

Impact on Cardiovascular Health

A study by Harvard University found that chewing tobacco users are 2.5 times more likely to develop coronary heart disease than non-users.

Another study published in the journal Circulation revealed a 3-fold increase in the risk of peripheral artery disease among chewing tobacco users.

Chewing tobacco contains nicotine, a highly addictive substance that constricts blood vessels, raises blood pressure, and increases the heart rate.

It also contains nitrosamines, known carcinogens that damage the lining of the arteries and promote the formation of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries).

Cardiovascular Disease	Risk Increase
Coronary heart disease	2.5 times
Peripheral artery disease	3 times
Atherosclerosis	High risk

Harmful Substances	Effects
Nicotine	Constricts blood vessels, raises blood pressure, increases heart rate
Nitrosamines	Damage arteries, promote plaque buildup

Stories of Regret

Story 1:

Benefit: Quitting chewing tobacco reduced Bob's risk of heart attack.

How to: Bob sought support from a cessation counselor and joined a support group.

Story 2:

Benefit: Mary's husband's heart surgery was successful after he quit chewing tobacco.

How to: Mary helped her husband identify his triggers and find healthier coping mechanisms.

Effective Strategies for Quitting

Set a quit date: Choose a specific day to quit and stick to it.

Seek professional help: Talk to a doctor, therapist, or counselor for support and guidance.

Identify triggers: Recognize situations or emotions that make you crave tobacco and develop healthy alternatives.

Join a support group: Connect with others who are trying to quit or have successfully quit.

Use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT): Patches, gum, or lozenges can help reduce cravings.

Stay busy: Engage in activities you enjoy to distract yourself from cravings.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine: These substances can increase cravings.

Reward yourself: Celebrate your successes along the way to stay motivated.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Trying to quit cold turkey: Gradual reduction or NRT is often more effective.

Relapsing: Don't give up if you slip, learn from the experience and try again.

Underestimating the addiction: Chewing tobacco can be highly addictive, seek professional help if needed.

Ignoring underlying issues: Quitting tobacco can be challenging for smokers who use it to cope with stress or anxiety.

Thinking age provides protection: Older adults are just as susceptible to the health risks of chewing tobacco.

Assuming e-cigarettes are a safe alternative: E-cigarettes still contain nicotine and can damage the heart.

Chewing Tobacco: A Silent Killer for Your Heart