Smokeless tobacco, a product not burned or inhaled, comes in various forms such as chewing tobacco, snuff, snus, and dissolvable tobacco. It is typically placed in the mouth, often between the cheek and gum, allowing nicotine to be absorbed through the oral tissues. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a medical condition where the force of blood against artery walls remains consistently elevated. This persistent elevation can cause the heart to work harder to circulate blood throughout the body. This article explores the relationship between smokeless tobacco use and blood pressure.
Nicotine’s Immediate Impact on Blood Pressure
Smokeless tobacco products contain nicotine, which is readily absorbed into the bloodstream through the lining of the mouth. Once absorbed, nicotine acts as a stimulant, quickly influencing the cardiovascular system by triggering the release of stress hormones like adrenaline.
The release of adrenaline leads to an immediate increase in heart rate and a temporary constriction of blood vessels throughout the body. This vasoconstriction reduces the space available for blood flow, causing blood pressure to rise acutely. Nicotine stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions, further contributing to rapid changes in heart rate and blood vessel diameter. These combined effects result in a temporary elevation in blood pressure shortly after use.
Other Harmful Components and Their Effects
Beyond nicotine, smokeless tobacco contains other chemicals that can negatively affect cardiovascular health. These include tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), which are formed during tobacco processing. Heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, and lead are also present. These substances are absorbed into the body and can contribute to damage within the blood vessels.
These non-nicotine components can induce inflammation and oxidative stress within the cardiovascular system. Inflammation, the body’s response to injury, and oxidative stress, an imbalance between cell-damaging molecules and protective antioxidants, can harm blood vessel walls and lead to cellular damage in the arteries. This damage can indirectly contribute to or worsen high blood pressure by reducing the elasticity and function of arterial walls.
Sustained Cardiovascular Consequences
Chronic exposure to smokeless tobacco can lead to sustained cardiovascular changes, contributing to persistent high blood pressure. Long-term use can result in chronic hypertension due to chronic vasoconstriction and nicotine’s ability to maintain a higher resting heart rate.
The continuous strain on the cardiovascular system can lead to arterial stiffness, where blood vessels lose their flexibility. This stiffening makes it harder for the heart to pump blood efficiently, elevating blood pressure. Additionally, chronic exposure can cause endothelial dysfunction, damaging the lining of blood vessels. When impaired, the endothelium cannot properly regulate blood vessel tone, leading to persistent hypertension. The cumulative impact of regular smokeless tobacco use, involving both nicotine and other harmful chemicals, significantly increases the risk of developing chronic high blood pressure. This prolonged high blood pressure raises the risk of other cardiovascular conditions such as heart disease and stroke.