Why Smoking & High Cholesterol Boost Rotator Cuff Tear Risk

So, you might know that smoking and high cholesterol aren’t great for your health, but did you know they can increase your chances of a rotator cuff tear? Yep, that’s right. When these bad habits team up with other conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, they can create a perfect storm for your shoulder. A recent study of people who had rotator cuff surgery and healthy folks showed that if you’re a smoker with high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure, you’re much more likely to tear your rotator cuff. It’s like these health issues work together to make the problem worse. The study found that the risk isn’t just the sum of individual risks, but it actually multiplies! So, why does this happen? Well, these conditions can mess with your body’s tiny blood vessels. When that happens, your rotator cuff might not get the blood flow it needs to stay strong. Over time, this can lead to tears. It’s important to remember, though, that just because you have these health issues doesn’t mean you’ll definitely tear your rotator cuff. But, it’s definitely something to keep in mind and talk to your doctor about.