Nicotine and Wound Healing: What Cigarettes, Vaping, and Patches Do to Recovery

Dr. Kumar’s Take

This review highlights how nicotine directly interferes with the body’s ability to heal after surgery or injury. Cigarettes are the worst offenders, since nicotine combines with carbon monoxide and tar to reduce oxygen delivery and damage tissue. Vaping and nicotine patches may remove some toxins, but nicotine itself still narrows blood vessels, increases oxidative stress, and slows down repair. For patients facing surgery or with chronic wounds, stopping nicotine in all forms is one of the most powerful ways to improve healing.

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Smoking and Heart Disease: The Life-Saving Benefits of Quitting

Dr. Kumar’s Take:

Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths worldwide, particularly due to its devastating impact on the heart and blood vessels. This study confirms what many doctors have known for decades: quitting smoking can dramatically reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and even reverse some of the damage caused by smoking.

Actionable Tip: If you’re a smoker, the best thing you can do for your heart is to quit as soon as possible. The benefits start within weeks and continue to grow over the years. Even heavy smokers can significantly reduce their risk of heart attacks, strokes, and early death by quitting.

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