Smoking, Tobacco and Gutka: What They Do to Your Heart
Smoking, chewing tobacco and gutka all damage blood vessels and raise the risk of heart attack.
What tobacco does
- Narrows and injures artery walls
- Raises blood pressure and heart rate
- Makes blood more likely to clot
Benefits of quitting
- Heart risk begins to fall soon after stopping
- Over the years the risk comes down much closer to that of a non-user
How to quit
- Set a quit date and tell family
- Ask your doctor about counselling and medicines
- Avoid triggers and replace the habit with walking or chewing sugar-free options
Need advice about your heart? Call or WhatsApp the hospital team on 95116 13365 (Monday to Saturday, 12:00 to 8:00). For chest pain or a suspected heart attack, call 112 or 95116 13365 straight away; emergency services are open 24x7.
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This article is for general information and does not replace medical advice. If you have symptoms or concerns, please see a doctor.