We all need air to breath. That is pretty much a given. However by smoking, we reduce and restrict the ability of the body to get air which ultimately makes the rest of the body, especially the heart, work so much harder. This article will outline 2 health reasons to quit smoking cigarettes and show how they impact the ability of the lungs and the heart to work effectively and efficiently.

The lungs are an intricate organ that deals with obtaining air for the individual and expelling carbon dioxides from the body. It is made up of two bronchi that subdivide into bronchioles that continue to subdivide until the alveoli is reached. The alveoli are the smallest element of the lung. Attached to each alveoli are  the pulmonary artery and vein. Air is passed down through the lung structure until it reaches the alveoli. Here the air is absorbed into the bloodstream and the carbon dioxide is drawn into the lungs. Thus on each respiration air and carbon dioxide pass in and out of the body.

Smoking cigarettes and inhaling the smoke causes it various chemicals and tar to travel down the lungs with the air. Over time. These chemicals coat the lungs, including the alveoli. As this coating gets thicker, it becomes harder for the air to be absorbed through the alveoli into the bloodstream or for the carbon dioxide to be expelled from the bloodstream. Effectively there is a barrier being placed between the air and the bloodstream that needs it.

This is why you will find that you are out of puff is you have a brisk walk or any form of exercise. Your lungs have to work harder to get enough air to the body. This also means that the heart has to work harder to pump more blood past the lungs. This can lead to heart disease or high blood pressure.

Smoking for any length of time affects how well the lungs can process air and makes the heart work harder to get that air. In both cases there are immediate and long term complications that can arise if you don't give up smoking. These 2 health reasons to quit smoking cigarettes should make think twice before having another cigarette.