Smoking and Your Health

Is smoking still a big problem in the U.S.?
Yes. While the number of smokers has declined in the past ten years, 26 to 28 percent of American adults continue to smoke. In addition, more than 3,000 young people become smokers every day. According to the National Institutes of Health, an estimated 430,000 deaths annually are directly caused by cigarette smoking. Smoking accounts for one out of every five deaths in the U.S., and is the largest preventable cause of premature death.

What health problems are associated with smoking?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), smokers have an increased risk of developing:

What is the connection between smoking and heart disease?
Smokers are twice as likely to have a heart attack as nonsmokers. Nearly one-fifth of all deaths from heart disease, or about 190,000 deaths a year, are smoking-related. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., while smoking causes 30 percent of all heart disease deaths. Smoking is the single largest preventable cause of heart disease in the U.S. Tobacco smoke contains high levels of carbon monoxide, which reduces the amount of oxygen the blood is able to carry. This means that the heart, lungs, brain and other vital organs do not always receive enough oxygen to perform everyday functions. At the same time, nicotine increases the heart rate and blood pressure. Over time, these things cause "wear and tear" on the heart and blood vessels. People who smoke are more likely to have heart attacks, high blood pressure, blood clots, strokes and other disorders of the heart and blood vessels. Smoking triples the risk of dying from heart disease.

Can smoking affect my kidneys?
Yes. Smoking can interfere with the medicines used to treat high blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure and you smoke, your medicines may not control your blood pressure well enough. Uncontrolled or poorly controlled high blood pressure is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease. Smoking can also be a problem for people who already have kidney disease. Smoking slows blood flow and can worsen existing heart, blood vessel and kidney problems. In addition, bladder cancer and kidney cancer are more common in smokers.

Is smoking a problem for people with high blood pressure?
Yes. There is strong evidence that smoking increases the risk of strokes and heart attacks in people with high blood pressure. In addition, smoking interferes with some of the medicines used to treat high blood pressure. People with high blood pressure should not smoke.

Is smoking a problem for people with diabetes?
Yes. If you have diabetes, you should not smoke. Smoking slows down your blood flow and can worsen heart, blood vessel and kidney problems. Smoking can also slow blood flow to your feet and legs, making sores and infections harder to heal.

I don't smoke, but my spouse does. Can that affect me?
Possibly. Studies strongly suggest that non-smokers who live with a smoker have an increased risk for smoking-related health problems.

How can I stop smoking?
If you are having difficulty quitting, you should speak to your doctor. The doctor can recommend a program to help you stop smoking.

Is there anything else I should know?
Chronic kidney disease is often "silent" in its early stages, meaning that you may not see or feel any symptoms. It's important for people who have an increased risk of developing kidney disease to have a test for protein in their urine and a blood test to estimate their level of kidney function (glomerular filtration rate or GFR). Kidney disease can often be successfully treated when detected early.

Speak to your doctor about getting tested if you:

• have diabetes
• have high blood pressure
• have a family history of chronic kidney disease
• are older
• are an African American, Hispanic American, Asian or Pacific Islander or American Indian.

More than 20 million Americans-one in nine adults-has chronic kidney disease, and most don't even know it. More than 20 million others are at increased risk. The National Kidney Foundation, a major voluntary health organization, seeks to prevent kidney and urinary tract diseases, improve the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and increase the availability of all organs for transplantation. Through its 51 affiliates nationwide, the foundation conducts programs in research, professional education, patient and community services, public education and organ donation. The work of the National Kidney Foundation is funded by public donations.

The National Kidney Foundation provides a free community-based health program called the Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP). This includes tests for the early detection of chronic kidney disease.