The Effect Of Smoking On Blood Pressure And Fitness Students Of The Faculty Of Medicine, University Of North Sumatra, Medan

by ADMIN 124 views

The Effect of Smoking on Blood Pressure and Fitness: A Study on Students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra, Medan

Introduction

The increasing number of smokers in developing countries, including Indonesia, has made smoking a serious health issue. One of the effects of smoking is the narrowing of blood vessels (vasoconstriction) which causes an increase in blood pressure. Disorders of the cardiovascular system not only have an impact on heart health, but also affect physical fitness, where one important component is cardiopulmonary fitness. This study aims to analyze the relationship between smoking and its influence on blood pressure and the level of fitness of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra in Medan.

Methodology

This study uses analytic design with a cross-sectional approach. In this study, the sampling technique was carried out by consecutive sampling, involving 24 smokers and 24 non-smokers. Measurement of blood pressure is done using a sphygmomanometer before undergoing the MC Ardle Step Test. This test was carried out using a bench as high as 41.3 cm with a duration of 3 minutes and the rate up and down 24 times per minute. After the respondent completed the test, radial pulse measurements were taken from the 6th to 20th seconds during the recovery period. The measurement results are then entered into the formula to determine the level of fitness. Data analysis was carried out with the help of the SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) program.

Results

The results of the analysis using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistical test showed the value of P <0.05, which showed a significant relationship between smoking habits, blood pressure, and fitness levels in students. This finding illustrates that smoking does not only affect the health condition of the heart and blood vessels, but can also reduce a person's physical fitness.

Discussion

Smoking is often considered a common habit, especially among students. However, this study revealed how serious the effect of smoking on health. With an increase in blood pressure due to vasoconstriction, students who smoke are at higher risk of various cardiovascular diseases, which can affect their overall quality of life.

Cardiopulmonary fitness, as one of the main indicators of physical health, is very important in supporting daily activities and academic achievement. Students of the Faculty of Medicine, who are required to have a deep understanding of health, should be aware of the consequences of smoking. In addition, increasing awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle and avoiding cigarettes is needed to maintain excellent physical condition, both in facing education and in the future when they go into the medical world.

Conclusion

The importance of this research is not only limited to students of the Faculty of Medicine, but can also be a reflection for the wider community. Efforts to reduce the prevalence of smoking must be done through education and programs that support a healthy lifestyle. By understanding the effect of smoking on health, it is expected that individuals are more motivated to stay away from cigarettes and choose a healthier way of life.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  • Education and awareness: Educational programs and campaigns should be implemented to raise awareness about the risks of smoking and the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
  • Support for quitting: Support systems should be established to help individuals quit smoking, such as counseling and nicotine replacement therapy.
  • Healthy lifestyle promotion: Promote healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • Monitoring and evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of smoking cessation programs and healthy lifestyle promotion should be conducted to identify areas for improvement.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

  • Sample size: The sample size of this study was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
  • Cross-sectional design: The cross-sectional design of this study may not allow for the establishment of causality between smoking and cardiovascular disease.
  • Measurement tools: The measurement tools used in this study may not be sensitive enough to detect changes in blood pressure and fitness levels.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

  • Investigate the long-term effects of smoking on cardiovascular disease: Longitudinal studies should be conducted to investigate the long-term effects of smoking on cardiovascular disease.
  • Develop effective smoking cessation programs: Research should be conducted to develop effective smoking cessation programs that can be implemented in various settings.
  • Promote healthy lifestyle habits: Research should be conducted to promote healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of smoking cessation and healthy lifestyle promotion in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The findings of this study suggest that smoking is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and that quitting smoking can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is essential to implement effective smoking cessation programs and promote healthy lifestyle habits to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Effect of Smoking on Blood Pressure and Fitness

Q: What is the relationship between smoking and blood pressure?

A: Smoking is known to cause vasoconstriction, which is the narrowing of blood vessels. This can lead to an increase in blood pressure, as the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the narrowed vessels.

Q: How does smoking affect physical fitness?

A: Smoking can reduce a person's physical fitness by affecting their cardiovascular health. Smoking can lead to a decrease in lung function, which can make it harder to exercise and engage in physical activities.

Q: What are the risks of smoking for students of the Faculty of Medicine?

A: Students of the Faculty of Medicine who smoke are at higher risk of various cardiovascular diseases, which can affect their overall quality of life. Smoking can also reduce their physical fitness, making it harder for them to perform daily activities and academic tasks.

Q: What are the benefits of quitting smoking?

A: Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, improve lung function, and increase physical fitness. It can also improve overall health and well-being, and reduce the risk of various cancers.

Q: How can students of the Faculty of Medicine quit smoking?

A: Students of the Faculty of Medicine can quit smoking by using nicotine replacement therapy, counseling, and support systems. They can also try healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including a small sample size, a cross-sectional design, and the use of measurement tools that may not be sensitive enough to detect changes in blood pressure and fitness levels.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: Future research should aim to investigate the long-term effects of smoking on cardiovascular disease, develop effective smoking cessation programs, and promote healthy lifestyle habits to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Q: What are the recommendations for reducing the prevalence of smoking?

A: Efforts to reduce the prevalence of smoking should be done through education and programs that support a healthy lifestyle. By understanding the effect of smoking on health, individuals are more motivated to stay away from cigarettes and choose a healthier way of life.

Q: What are the implications of this study for the wider community?

A: The findings of this study have implications for the wider community, as they highlight the importance of smoking cessation and healthy lifestyle promotion in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Efforts to reduce the prevalence of smoking should be done through education and programs that support a healthy lifestyle.