The carbon monoxide in the cigarette smoke increases the amount of cholesterol clogging the arteries. Smoking causes a stiffness in the walls of the arteries which is harmful to the artery and increases the risk for the artery to rupture. A coronary spasm may occur during smoking, which may lead to chest pain, and a heart attack Blood clots more readily in smokers than in nonsmokers. Cancers Cigarette Smoking is the major cause of cancer of the lips, tongue, salivary glands, mouth, larynx, esophagus, and middle and lower pharynx. The development of stomach cancer can be directly associated with smoking.
Smoking is known to cause bladder cancer.
Quitting smoking will not result in a significant reduction in the risk of getting bladder cancer. A strong association exists between smoking and leukemia. Hormonal Problems Women smokers enter menopause an average of 5 years earlier than nonsmokers. Smoking and nicotine can alter a number of hormones involved in the reproduction function. Women who smoke are at an increased risk of osteoporosis.