Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Heart disease includes coronary heart disease, heart attack, and heart failure. Smoking allows less oxygen to the heart; increases blood pressure and heart rate; increases blood clotting; promotes plaque buildup in the arteries; damages artery cells and other blood vessels; and restricts blood flow to the heart and other organs – greatly increasing the risk of heart attack.
Stopping smoking makes a difference. No matter how long you have smoked, your health can get better:
More oxygen in your blood and for your heart
Blood pressure and heart rate drops
Less risk for a heart attack
You will likely live longer
