Smokers are at greater risk for diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular disease).1,2
Smoking causes stroke and coronary heart disease—the leading causes of death in the United States.1
Even people who smoke fewer than five cigarettes a day can have early signs of cardiovascular disease.1
Smoking damages blood vessels and can make them thicken and grow narrower. This makes your heart beat faster and your blood pressure go up. Clots can also form.1,2
A heart attack occurs when a clot blocks the blood flow to your heart. When this happens, your heart cannot get enough oxygen. This damages the heart muscle, and part of the heart muscle can die.1,2
A stroke occurs when a clot blocks the blood flow to part of your brain or when a blood vessel in or around your brain bursts.1,2
Blockages caused by smoking can also reduce blood flow to your legs and skin.1,2