According to the American Heart Association, "Smoking is the most important preventable cause of death in the United States. It accounts for more than 440,000 of the more than 2.4 million annual deaths." Tobacco smoke has more than 4000 toxic chemicals in it, which can all harm the body. Examples of these include nicotine, acetone, arsenic, cadmium and carbon monoxide. Along with these harsh chemicals come many hazards.
Coronary Artery Disease
The heart is the strongest muscle in the system. It is required to pump blood constantly throughout the whole body. Smoking by itself, is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease. It causes blood pressure to elevate, it increases the tendency for blood to form clots and it also compromises your ability to exercise which can lead to weight gain and further increase your risk.
Atherosclerosis
The arteries are major blood vessels that go from the heart to the whole body. They are responsible for distributing oxygenated blood to all regions of the system. Smoking can elevate your chances of getting atherosclerosis and peripheral artery disease. These conditions are characterized by a build-up of fatty matter on the walls of the arteries. Smoking also increases your chances of getting an aortic aneurysm and stroke.
Cancer
Cancer is one of the most common diseases that leads to death. Although there is no cure for it, there are ways to prevent it. One of which would be to stop smoking. That is because smoking increases the risk of developing cancer of the lungs, throat, lips, mouth and stomach. According to the Centers for Disease Control, "In the United States, about 90 percent of lung cancer deaths in men and 80 percent of lung cancer deaths in women are due to smoking."
Lung Disorders
The lungs can also be affected by chronic conditions that are not fatal, but are definitely serious. Congestive obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), like emphysema and chronic bronchitis, are two examples.
ETS
Secondhand smoke, also called "environmental tobacco smoke," comes from the lit end of a tobacco product or it comes from the exhalation of another smoker. When you breathe this smoke in, it is just as dangerous as firsthand smoke and it can lead to heart and blood vessel diseases. Kids who are subjected to secondhand smoke can develop asthma and middle ear infections.
