Tobacco smoking in India: A critical analysis of its devastating impact on cardiovascular health and the urgent need for comprehensive control measures

Tobacco smoking is a significant public health issue in India, with approximately 29% of adults using tobacco products. It is the single largest modifiable and reversible risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke contribute to CVDs, like coronary artery disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease, etc. There is a nonlinear correlation between tobacco exposure and cardiovascular risk, which is more pronounced in younger individuals. As the world’s third-largest tobacco market, India faces dire health and economic consequences, with nearly 1.35 million smoking-related deaths annually. Despite the gravity of the issue, there is a lack of recent studies on the cardiovascular effects of smoking in India. Smoking cessation is a crucial step in substantially reducing CVD risks and improving health outcomes. Comprehensive tobacco control strategies are essential to control the tobacco crisis and alleviate its impact on the healthcare system.