The pleasures of smoking last only a few minutes, but they lead to serious health problems throughout life. The chemicals in tobacco products can decrease oxygen to the heart and cause fatigue, especially during physical activity. There may also be damage to cells in the arteries and blood vessels over time, leading to many illnesses and diseases.
Heart Disease
Smoking causes atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. This condition is a buildup of fatty substances in the arteries, the Cleveland Clinic explains. Fat and plaque block the blood flow and create narrowing of the arteries. This results in heart disease. The heart has to work harder and the extra strain can result in angina, or chest pain. If one or more of the arteries becomes completely blocked, a heart attack can happen. The more cigarettes a person smokes and the longer a person smokes, the greater the chance he will develop heart disease or suffer a heart attack or stroke.
Lung Diseases
The risk of getting pneumonia, emphysema and chronic bronchitis increases because of smoking. These diseases are often referred to as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. Such lung diseases can be ongoing and get worse over time until the person finally dies from the condition. People as young as 40 can get emphysema or bronchitis, but the symptoms usually get much worse later in life, according to the American Cancer Society.
Lung and Other Cancers
Lung cancer has long been connected to smoking, which can also contribute to cancer of the mouth, voice box or larynx, throat and esophagus. Smoking has also been linked to cancers of the bladder, kidney, pancreas, stomach and cervix. It may contribute to some leukemia conditions as well.
Diabetes
Smoking increases the risk of developing diabetes, the Cleveland Clinic says. There could also be a rise in complications from diabetes, such as eye disease, heart disease, stroke, vascular disease, kidney disease and foot problems.
Impotence
Smoking is a major risk factor for peripheral vascular disease, which narrows the blood vessels that carry blood to different areas of the body. Blood vessels to the penis may be affected, resulting in erectile dysfunction.
Blindness
Smokers have an increased risk of developing macular degeneration, a cause of blindness in older people. A study published in the July 2007 issue of "Archives of Ophthalmology" found that smokers are four times more likely than nonsmokers to develop macular degeneration, which damages the macula, the center of the retina, destroying sharp central vision. Researchers are not exactly sure how smoking increases the risk, however.
Gum Disease
Aside from cancers in the mouth and throat area, smoking increases the risk of gum disease as well as causing tooth and breath problems. Smoking interferes with the healing process by reducing oxygen and nutrients to gum tissue. The tissues are less likely to respond to treatment, resulting in gum damage and loose teeth.
