Why?

Smoking has detrimental effects on the overall health of the smoker, but more specifically on the cardiovascular health of people. Many people smoke cigarettes without even contemplating the cigarettes' danger health implications. Cigarettes and their smoke have a profound impact on heart health. Cigarette smoke greatly contributes to atherosclerosis or the hardening of arteries by the build up of plaque. This speedy build up of plaque by cigarette smoke leads to stroke, heart attack, arrhythmias, peripheral vascular disease, and even death. As well, smoking decreases the amount of available oxygen in the blood, increases blood pressure and heart rate, increases blood clotting, and damages blood cells - all very dangerous to one's health.