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How Does Chewing Tobacco And Scotch Affect Blood Pressure?
Question: How does chewing tobacco and scotch affect blood pressure. I have recently been diagnosed with high blood pressure. It seems to range 139/100 to 180/140
Hello,
Chewing of tobacco leads to release of most powerful chemical ingredient into circulation known as nicotine. Nicotine directly causes invisible injuries to the inner linings of blood vessels (endothelium layer). Besides that indirectly nicotine stimulates the sympathetic system which releases adrenaline hormone and increases the heart rate and blood pressure. Raised blood pressure also causes further damage created by direct action of nicotine.
After injury to the endothelium, the exposed tissue beneath the endothelium attracts the circulating platelets from blood leading to formation of micro thrombi . These platelet XXXXXXX thrombi attracts the inflammatory cells and fibroblasts - this cycle happens for years and finally leads the formation of atheromatous plaques (plumbing problem) which causes heart attack and cerebral stroke. Cessation of tobacco reverses the whole problem.
Coming to scotch/Alcohol intake: Alcohol has indirect action over circulatory system. Taking small quantities of alcohol (not more than 40ml) doesn't harm your body. But intake of large quantities leads to stimulation of sympathetic system which increases the heart rate ,blood pressure.
Hope you got clarified about your doubts, If you need any further clarification , write us back.
Regards
DR.sivayogi.
Chewing of tobacco leads to release of most powerful chemical ingredient into circulation known as nicotine. Nicotine directly causes invisible injuries to the inner linings of blood vessels (endothelium layer). Besides that indirectly nicotine stimulates the sympathetic system which releases adrenaline hormone and increases the heart rate and blood pressure. Raised blood pressure also causes further damage created by direct action of nicotine.
After injury to the endothelium, the exposed tissue beneath the endothelium attracts the circulating platelets from blood leading to formation of micro thrombi . These platelet XXXXXXX thrombi attracts the inflammatory cells and fibroblasts - this cycle happens for years and finally leads the formation of atheromatous plaques (plumbing problem) which causes heart attack and cerebral stroke. Cessation of tobacco reverses the whole problem.
Coming to scotch/Alcohol intake: Alcohol has indirect action over circulatory system. Taking small quantities of alcohol (not more than 40ml) doesn't harm your body. But intake of large quantities leads to stimulation of sympathetic system which increases the heart rate ,blood pressure.
Hope you got clarified about your doubts, If you need any further clarification , write us back.
Regards
DR.sivayogi.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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