Nicotine stimulates the nervous system and makes the heart work harder. CO replaces oxygen in the blood so, during smoking, tissues, including heart muscle, receive less oxygen. CO also makes the blood more likely to clot. If you give up smoking, your risk of having a heart attack will reduce rapidly. Within five to ten years of stopping, your chance of having a heart attack will be little more than that of a lifelong non-smoker.
Exercise strengthens heart muscle so that it can work more easily.
It can also help reduce blood pressure and blood cholesterol as well as helping you to keep your weight in check. Too much body fat puts an extra strain on your heart and can lead to high blood pressure. Alcohol THE odd pint or glass of wine now and again won't hurt but try to stay within the limit of 14 units for women and 21 for men. Don't save this allowance up to drink all at once.