Smoking is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease worldwide and also a preventable cause of mortality in individuals with an existing cardiovascular condition. Abstinence from smoking is largely recommended proceeding a cardiovascular event with various studies supporting the benefits to heart health post-cessation. The physiological changes that are known to precipitate into a cardiovascular event are Atherosclerosis – arteries become narrow and less flexible. It occurs when fat, cholesterol and other harmful substances in blood form plaque and build up in arterial walls narrowing arterial lumen. Chemicals in cigarette smoke cause the blood to thicken and form clots in heart arteries and veins. Blockage from a clot can lead to cardiac arrest and sudden death. Peripheral arterial disease – occur when blood vessels become narrower limiting the supply to arms, legs, hands and feet. In extreme cases reduced peripheral blood flow may lead to infection and/or gangrene. Stroke – Smoking impacts blood flow to the brain leading to permanent damage of neurons. Death from stroke is more likely among smokers than among former smokers or those who have never smoked. Abdominal aortic aneurysm – is a bulge or a weakness in the wall of abdominal aorta. The aorta is the main branch of the artery emerging from the heart carrying oxygenated blood to the whole body. Smoking is a known cause of damage to abdominal aorta. (https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/sgr/50th-anniversary/pdfs/fs_smoking_cvd_508.pdf)
