Smoking & Cholesterol Health Problems

It is no big secret that smoking is bad for your health. For years, we have been aware of the dangers of tobacco and both first- and second-hand smoke and how it can lead to a variety of ailments and diseases, from allergies to lung cancer. But, there is yet another reason to stop smoking: cholesterol.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking greatly increases a persons risk for heart disease and stroke because it injures blood vessels and speeds up the hardening of the arteries. High cholesterol levels can lead to heart disease, and even breathing in secondhand smoke increases the risk for a heart attack and other heart conditions, so it is recommended that smokers find a program to help them stop smoking in order to reduce the risk.

Smoking is of course only one factor of high cholesterol; the CDC recommends regular exercise, following a healthy diet plan and maintaining a regular weight in order to reduce the chances of future health problems. To assess whether or not you have high cholesterol, a blood test is recommended at least once every five years. To be considered in the healthy range, a persons total cholesterol level should be less than 200 mg.

For nonsmokers, cholesterol prevention is yet another reason not to start. And for smokers, it may be another reason to quit. Information is available through the CDC Web site on programs that may be helpful for finding a way to stop smoking; your heart will thank you.