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For African-Americans, smoking is almost as deadly as driving. 

A new study reveals that African-Americans who smoke tobacco should pay a lot more attention to their heart health.  According to Circulation, a journal affiliated with the American Heart Association, Blacks who smoke are at a considerably higher risk of being hospitalized for heart failure than those who aren’t active smokers.

The Centers for Disease Control reports that approximately 16.5% of African-American adults are active smokers.

Most people think of lung cancer as the primary health consequence of smoking tobacco. Experts analyzed eight years of data from 4,129 people who agreed to be part of the Jackson Heart Study. None of the participants had pre-existing conditions consistent with heart disease or stroke on the onset of the study. Analysis revealed that the smokers were more likely to develop atherosclerosis, or clogs in the arteries.  Further investigation determined that smoking may also be linked to the thickening and weakening of the left side of the heart, which pumps blood through the body.

Experts note that African-Americans are also disproportionately affected by obesity and high blood pressure, two of the primary risk factors for heart failure.

Whether it’s the heart or lungs, smoking can have a devastating impact on an individual’s health and quality of life. Cessation is the best form of preventive care for smokers.