Certain interventions or treatments such as angioplasty, artherectomy and bypass surgery decrease the probability by improving the blood supply but do not cure the disease. In order to attempt to slow down this process, it is very important to reduce risk factors associated with the development and progression of coronary artery disease. Extensive studies have identified certain characteristics or risk factors which have been demonstrated to increase the risk of developing heart disease. The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chance of developing heart disease. A smoker's risk of having a heart attack is more than twice that of a nonsmoker.
Nicotine increases oxygen demand by increasing heart rate and blood pressure.
Carbon monoxide from the smoke decreases the oxygen supply by taking the place of oxygen in the blood. One cigarette increases the carbon monoxide level for about 4 hours making it difficult for the heart muscle to get enough oxygen. The heart has to beat faster and harder to pump more blood to deliver the same amount of oxygen. Smoke damages the inner lining of the artery walls, causing small abrasions or rough spots to develop on the artery wall. This rough surface attracts cholesterol resulting in a buildup called plaque.