How Diabetes, Blood Pressure & Tobacco Affect Your Blood Vessels

Just as the lining of your stomach is smooth, the inner lining of your blood vessels is normally smooth as well. This smooth lining ensures that blood flows without obstruction.

However, uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, and tobacco use can damage this lining, making it rough and uneven. Once the lining becomes rough, blood cells start to stick to it.

Understanding Blood Cells

Blood has three main types of cells:

1. Red blood cells – carry oxygen throughout the body.
2. White blood cells – crucial for immunity and fighting infections.
3. Platelets – small cells that help blood clot when there’s an injury.

Platelets are especially important in stopping bleeding. When a cut occurs, platelets stick together at the edges of the wound to form a clot, preventing blood loss.

What Happens in Damaged Blood Vessels

If the inner lining of the blood vessels is rough, platelets may start sticking even without injury. This can form small clots, which may travel through the bloodstream.
When these clots block blood flow:

• In the brain, it can cause a stroke.
• In the heart, it can lead to a heart attack.

Key Takeaway

Maintaining healthy blood sugar, blood pressure, and avoiding tobacco protects your blood vessels. Smooth vessel linings prevent platelets from sticking unnecessarily, reducing the risk of strokes and heart attacks.