World No Tobacco Day, observed annually on May 31st, seeks to educate the public about the dangers of tobacco use. This year, the theme is ‘Protecting Children From Tobacco Industry Interference,’ emphasizing the need to safeguard young people from the harmful influences of the tobacco industry. The World Health Organization (WHO) established World No Tobacco Day in 1987 to combat tobacco-related deaths and diseases.
Tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year, including approximately 1.3 million non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke, according to WHO. The use of tobacco is linked to a variety of chronic and serious health conditions, from lung cancer to reproductive issues.
On World No Tobacco Day 2024, the spotlight is on understanding the harmful effects of tobacco on cardiovascular health. Smoking is a significant risk factor for heart disease, as it reduces blood and oxygen flow to the heart by narrowing the arteries.
“The toxic compounds found in tobacco smoke make smoking extremely dangerous for your cardiovascular system. Nicotine and carbon monoxide are two of these compounds that have a major effect on the heart and circulation,” says Dr. Pratibha Dogra, Senior Consultant in Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine at Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram. “Smoking causes atherosclerosis, raises blood pressure, and increases the risk of serious cardiovascular diseases such as peripheral artery disease and heart attacks. Cutting back on tobacco use is essential for preserving cardiovascular health and preventing these serious illnesses,” she adds.
Smoking is also linked to peripheral arterial disease (PAD), alongside other risk factors such as diabetes, lack of physical activity, hypertension, and poor cholesterol levels. “Smoking has been connected to peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a condition in which plaque accumulates in the limb arteries. This causes pain, numbness, and an increased risk of infections and ulcers by decreasing blood supply to the extremities,” Dr. Dogra explains.
World No Tobacco Day 2024 calls on everyone to take action against tobacco use, especially in protecting young people from its dangers and ensuring a healthier future for all.
