Smoking can lead to cell and tissue damage throughout your body, and experts say your heart isn’t spared. The US National Heart Lung and Blood Institute says smoking can:
Health Tips
* Decrease the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.
* Force the heart to work harder by raising blood pressure and heart rate.
* Raise triglycerides (fat) and bad cholesterol, while lowering good cholesterol.
* Affect the heart’s normal rhythm.
* Narrow blood vessel walls.
* Increase inflammation, which can lead to increased plaque build-up in blood vessels.
