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).

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.