Vaping and Smoking Away Your Heart Health: A Recipe for Disaster

Thank you for joining me on this journey.  My name is Jason Youngs and on December 9, 2022 I found out I have Coronary Artery Disease.  I decided to document my journey to recovery on TikTok.  It adds accountability for me, as well as an opportunity to educate others, while I educate myself.  I use words and concepts that are easily understood.  I am not a doctor and this is for educational use only. Thank you for joining me and sharing in my journey.

INTRODUCTION

Let's talk about the dangers of smoking and vaping for a few minutes.

Smoking and vaping are major risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD), a serious condition that affects the blood vessels of the heart and is a leading cause of death worldwide. When you smoke or vape, the chemicals and toxins in the smoke or vapor enter your bloodstream and travel to your heart, where they can damage the blood vessels and increase your risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol.

WHY IS SMOKING AND VAPING A POOR CHOICE WHEN IT COMES TO CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE?

One of the primary ways that smoking and vaping harm your heart and coronary arteries is by increasing the levels of plaque in your arteries. Plaque is a sticky substance made up of cholesterol, calcium, and other substances that can build up on the inner walls of your arteries over time. As plaque accumulates, it can narrow your arteries and reduce the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your heart, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke. Smoking and vaping also increase your risk of blood clots, which can further block the flow of blood to your heart and cause serious damage.

WHAT WILL QUITTING DO FOR MY LIFE EXPECTANCY?

The good news is that quitting smoking and vaping can significantly reduce your risk of CAD and other health problems. For example, one study found that people who quit smoking in their mid-30s to mid-40s gained an average of 10 years of life expectancy, while those who quit in their mid-50s to mid-60s gained an average of 6 years of life expectancy. These are just a few of the many reasons why quitting smoking and vaping is so important for your heart health.

I heard a story about a man named John Delaware, a 46 year old auto worker, who quit smoking and saw his heart condition improve significantly.

John was a heavy smoker for many years, and he had developed CAD as a result of his smoking habit. His doctor warned him that if he didn't quit smoking, he was at risk of having a heart attack or stroke. John was scared, but he didn't know how to quit. He tried several times to quit smoking on his own, but he always ended up going back to it. Finally, John decided to seek help from a smoking cessation program. He received counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, and support from other people who were trying to quit smoking. It wasn't easy, but John was determined to succeed. After several weeks of hard work, he was finally able to quit smoking for good.

As John's story illustrates, quitting smoking and vaping can be a challenging process, but it is worth it in the long run.

FIVE STRATEGIES TO KICK THE SMOKING OR VAPING HABIT

Set a quit date and make a plan.

Choose a date to quit smoking or vaping and make a plan to help you stay on track. This might include finding a support system, identifying triggers that cause you to smoke or vape, and finding ways to cope with cravings.

Get support from friends and loved ones.

Surround yourself with people who will support you and encourage you to stay smoke- or vapor-free. You can also seek support from smoking cessation programs or support groups.

Consider nicotine replacement therapy. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can help you manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms as you quit smoking or vaping. NRT comes in several forms, including nicotine gum, patches, lozenges, and inhalers.

Find healthy ways to cope with stress and other triggers.

Smoking and vaping are often used as a way to cope with stress or other negative emotions. Find healthy ways to cope with these triggers, such as exercising, practicing relaxation techniques, or talking to a therapist.

Reward yourself for reaching milestones.

Celebrate your progress and reward yourself for reaching milestones, such as one week smoke-free or one month vapor-free. This can help motivate you to keep going and stay smoke- or vapor-free.

QUITTING IS HARD!

It is important to recognize that quitting smoking and vaping is not easy and may require multiple attempts before you are successful. Don't be discouraged if you slip up or have a relapse. Instead, use it as an opportunity to learn from your mistakes and try again.

I've found journaling about my Heart Health to be a very important part of my healing. I use this "Beautiful People" Heart Health Journal from Amazon.

Remember, quitting smoking and vaping is one of the most important things you can do for your heart health, and every day that you are smoke- or vapor-free is a step in the right direction.

If you are struggling to quit smoking or vaping, don't hesitate to seek help. There are many resources available to support you, including nicotine replacement therapy, medications, counseling, and support groups. Your doctor or a smoking cessation program can help you find the resources that are right for you. With determination and the right support, you can quit smoking or vaping and improve your heart health.

CONCLUSION

In summary, smoking and vaping are major risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD), a serious condition that affects the blood vessels of the heart. These habits increase the levels of plaque in your arteries, which can narrow your arteries and reduce the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your heart. Quitting smoking and vaping can significantly reduce your risk of CAD and other health problems, and there are many resources available to help you succeed. By setting a quit date, getting support from friends and loved ones, using nicotine replacement therapy, finding healthy ways to cope with stress and other triggers, and rewarding yourself for reaching milestones, you can quit smoking and vaping and improve your heart health.

Author: Jason Youngs TikTok Educator

Email: MrJasonYoungs@gmail.com