Tobacco Epidemic among Women

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Girls smoking tobacco was a key element of culture shock at one time in India but now it is more of a fad that every girl wants to be a part of. Thus, the perception among men is that "Smoking women are sexy"!!

The tobacco epidemic has recently expanded among women worldwide. Recent data from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey show that tobacco consumption among girls is increasing drastically around the globe, and that prevalence is, in many cases, comparable to or even greater than boys. And with the growing tobacco consumption, cardiac problems are also becoming rampant among this group.

What puts a woman at the risk of Cardiac Diseases?

- Uncontrollable factors such as getting older, family health history and race
- Bigger risk factors for heart and cardiovascular disease - smoking, high blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol
- Physical inactivity also adds to a person's risk for getting heart and cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes, sometimes referred to as high blood sugar, is a serious condition that raises a woman's risk for heart and cardiovascular disease
- Lastly, being around tobacco smoke for large amounts of time, or all the time, can increase a person's risk for cardiovascular disease

Smoking has been viewed as a sign of freedom and individuality in a woman and in recent years, the glamour and independence once associated with cigarettes has been extended to cigars, which are now also considered symbols of power and social status.

Despite of the well-known health risks like oral cancer, emphysema, heart disease, stroke, chronic bronchitis, osteoporosis, low infant birth weight and sudden infant death syndrome, women still smoke.

"Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease in women. More than half of the heart attacks in women under 50 are related to smoking. If you stop smoking, you can lower your risk of heart attack by one third within two years. Women who smoke and use birth control pills increase their risk even more", says Dr. Sandip Rane, Promoter and Director, Asian Heart Institute & Research Centre.

For pregnant women, tobacco is an even bigger curse. The more cigarettes a woman smokes during pregnancy, the more likely is the baby's low birth weight. Babies born to these women are on average 200 grams (8 oz) lighter than babies born to comparable mothers who do not smoke. Research has shown that cigarette smoking may contribute to inadequate breast milk production, as well as to other increased health risks to the newborn child. It is believed that prolactin production in smoking mothers might be reduced, resulting in poorer milk supply and an increased likelihood of giving up breastfeeding earlier.

In India, about one-third of women use at least one form of tobacco. Overall prevalence of tobacco smoking among women is about 3 per cent and 22 per cent women consumers use smokeless tobacco. Hence, in India, more women suffer from oral cancer than breast cancer.

It's high time that women realize that they are any day in a greater danger of getting entrapped by tobacco than men.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.