by Marvin Ramírez and the El Reportero staff
Many people start their day with a cigarette and a cup of coffee, a routine that feels comforting and familiar. However, research shows this habit may be quietly damaging the heart and blood vessels, especially when both substances are used together.
A study led by Dr. Charalambos Vlachopoulos of the Cardiology Department at Athens Medical School found that caffeine and nicotine, when combined, interact in ways that can harm the cardiovascular system. These effects are not simply additive—they intensify each other’s impact, increasing the risk of heart problems.
Supporting this, research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that people who smoked and drank coffee at the same time had a greater risk of arterial stiffness. Stiff arteries reduce the heart’s ability to pump efficiently and are closely linked to high blood pressure and heart disease.
Caffeine, found in coffee, stimulates the central nervous system, causing the heart to beat faster. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, raising blood pressure. Together, they place extra strain on the heart, accelerating wear and increasing the risk of damage.
“When the heart works too fast due to these two compounds, the burden increases,” the Athens researchers explain. “Over time, it can lead to serious damage.” This stress on the heart may lead to coronary artery disease, abnormal heart rhythms, and heart failure.
The health risks of smoking alone are already severe. Smoking is a leading cause of heart and blood vessel disorders, as well as several cancers. In women, it can also harm fetal development during pregnancy. When combined with coffee, these risks grow more severe due to their reinforcing effects on the cardiovascular system.
While moderate coffee consumption may have benefits on its own, drinking coffee while smoking eliminates those potential advantages and adds new dangers. Here are some key risks of combining these habits:
– Greater dependence: Many people feel a stronger urge to smoke when drinking coffee. This reinforces both habits, making it harder to quit either.
– Increased blood pressure: Caffeine increases heart rate and blood flow; nicotine tightens arteries. Together, they elevate blood pressure to dangerous levels.
– Artery damage: The combination may promote plaque buildup in arteries, leading to stiffness and reduced elasticity, which increases the risk of atherosclerosis.
– Higher heart disease risk: Together, caffeine and nicotine increase the chances of developing cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes.
This combination may feel relaxing, but its effects are quite the opposite inside the body. Many people aren’t aware of how damaging the interaction between nicotine and caffeine can be when consumed together. They may underestimate the long-term consequences, especially if they feel no immediate symptoms.
Breaking the habit of smoking and coffee together can significantly improve cardiovascular health. Experts suggest addressing smoking first, as its health impact is more severe and widespread. Reducing caffeine, particularly in the early stages of quitting smoking, may also help by decreasing cravings and easing the transition.
Former smokers often report that avoiding coffee helps reduce the urge to light up. Some switch to herbal teas or decaffeinated drinks as part of their strategy to quit smoking and reduce heart strain.
Ultimately, this seemingly harmless routine is far from benign. The pairing of smoking and coffee accelerates damage to the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of life-threatening diseases. Understanding the science behind this interaction may help more people reconsider a habit that could cost them their health—and their life.
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