Nicotine Addiction & Heart Health
Smoking Hurts More Than Just Your Lungs
Nicotine addiction doesn’t just harm your lungs. It puts a big strain on your heart, too. At BaleDoneen, we help people quit in ways that support both short-term success and long-term heart health
How Nicotine Addiction Affects the Heart
When you smoke, your blood vessels shrink. This is called vasoconstriction. It forces your heart to work harder to push blood through narrow space.
Smoking can cause:
Even secondhand smoke raises cardiac risk over time.
The Lung–Heart Link
Smoking hits your lungs first, but the damage doesn’t stop there. Every puff brings carbon monoxide into your bloodstream. This gas makes it harder for your blood to carry oxygen.
Less oxygen means your heart must pump harder. Over time, this weakens the heart.
Can Quitting Help?
Yes. Quitting smoking can help reverse some of the damage. The sooner you stop, the more your body can heal.
After quitting:
Some damage may take years to repair. But each day smoke-free is a win for your heart.
Nicotine Addiction Withdrawal
Quitting isn’t easy. Many people feel rough for the first few days or weeks. Common symptoms include:
These symptoms fade with time. The hardest part often lasts a week or two.
Are Nicotine Patches Safe for Heart Patients?
Nicotine patches give a steady, lower dose than smoking. For many people, they’re safer than continuing to smoke.
Always check with your doctor. At BaleDoneen Method, we work with patients to build safe quit plans that take their full health picture into account.
What Helps You Quit
It’s not just about willpower. Here’s what often works:
You don’t have to do it alone. We help patients through every step.
The Real Risk of Smoking
Tobacco use is one of the top risk factors for heart disease. It’s linked to:
Even one cigarette a day raises risk. Cutting back is not enough. Quitting is the goal.