Smoking and Your Cardiovascular Health

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, accounting for about 800,000 deaths each year. Smoking cigarettes and using tobacco products is a habit responsible for nearly 20% of those deaths.

While many people know that smoking and using tobacco products can harm your health, you may not understand the extent of the damage it can cause. The health experts outline some of the many ways that smoking and using tobacco products can harm your heart.

Smoking Increases Your Risk for Heart Disease

Atherosclerosis

When you smoke, you’re actually changing the makeup of your blood and cause plaque to build up in your arteries. This plaque buildup can lead to the narrowing of your arteries, which is called atherosclerosis.

When your arteries become narrowed, it's harder for your heart to pump oxygenated blood to other areas of your body. It can also create total blockages, leading to cardiac events like heart attack and stroke.

Increased Stress on the Heart

When you smoke cigarettes and use tobacco products, there is increased strain placed on your heart when it comes to pumping blood throughout your body. When you inhale cigarette smoke, you’re inhaling carbon monoxide—which continues to lower your oxygen levels, making your heart work harder to deliver oxygen where it’s needed.

Changes to Your Blood

Smoking cigarettes actually changes your blood and makes it become thicker and even sticky. Thicker and stickier blood is more difficult for your heart to pump throughout your body. It is also more prone to clotting, blocking blood flow and increasing your risk for heart attack and stroke.

Suvira Hospital is a leading multi-specialty facility in across India, providing world-class medical care using state-of-the-art technology.

Our dedicated team of 10+ doctors specializes in oncology, cardiology, organ transplant, orthopaedics, and more.

With Maximum operational beds and Multiple type diagnostics centres, we offer comprehensive and personalized healthcare to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.

- Trusted by thousands of patients around the world each month.

- With us, you pay the same price for healthcare as if you booked directly with the hospital.

- Personalised healthcare solutions tailored to your individual needs.

- Your own dedicated M1H Patient Specialist supporting you throughout your medical journey.

HMPV Overview

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a pathogen that, while not new, has gained attention recently in the global health arena. This comprehensive guide aims to shed light on HMPV, its impact, and what we can do to protect ourselves and our communities.

What is HMPV Virus (Human Metapneumovirus)?

Human metapneumovirus or HMPV is a respiratory virus that was first identified in 2001 by Dutch researchers. Despite its relatively recent discovery, the virus has likely been circulating in human populations for decades. HMPV belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, which includes other respiratory pathogens like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Primarily, the virus affects the respiratory system, causing infections that range from mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory distress. While it can infect individuals of all ages, HMPV poses a particular threat to young children and older adults, including those with compromised immune systems.

Characteristics of Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV)

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a significant respiratory pathogen with the following key characteristics:

1. Virus Family: hMPV belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, sharing similarities with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
2. Structure: It is an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus.
3. Transmission: Spreads through respiratory droplets, direct contact with infected individuals, or contaminated surfaces.
4. Symptoms: Causes a spectrum of respiratory illnesses, from mild cold-like symptoms to severe conditions like bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and asthma exacerbations.
5. Seasonality: Typically more prevalent in late winter and early spring, with outbreaks resembling seasonal patterns of other respiratory viruses.
6. Target Groups: Primarily affects young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic respiratory conditions.
7. Diagnosis: Laboratory tests such as PCR, antigen detection, or viral culture are used for accurate identification.
8. Treatment: No specific antiviral exists; treatment is focused on symptom management and supportive care.
9. Prevention: Good hygiene practices and avoiding close contact with infected individuals are essential for reducing the spread.

These characteristics make hMPV a notable virus, especially among high-risk populations.

HMPV Transmission: How It Spreads and Who’s at Risk

HMPV spreads through close contact with infected individuals, primarily via respiratory droplets or aerosols released during coughing or sneezing. The virus can survive on surfaces for short periods, making hand hygiene crucial in preventing transmission.

The incubation period for HMPV is estimated to be between three to six days, during which an infected person may be contagious without showing symptoms. This characteristic makes containment challenging and emphasizes the importance of preventive measures.

HMPV infections have been noted to have a higher impact on children under the age of 14, sometimes straining healthcare resources.

HMPV Causes

While the exact causes of HMPV infections are not fully understood, several factors may contribute to its spread:

• Seasonal patterns: HMPV infections are more common during winter and early spring.
• Environmental factors: Crowded indoor spaces with poor ventilation can facilitate the spread of respiratory viruses like HMPV.
• Co-circulation with other pathogens: The simultaneous circulation of HMPV with other respiratory viruses, such as influenza and COVID-19, may complicate diagnosis and treatment.
• Genetic changes: Like all viruses, HMPV can mutate over time, potentially leading to more transmissible or virulent strains.