And people who smoke two or more packs have an even higher risk. Smokers who have a heart attack have less chance of surviving than nonsmokers. And people who keep smoking after a heart attack increase the chances that they'll have a second attack. Angina Pectoris Angina pectoris is chest pain. It occurs when the heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen during exertion.
Smoking cigarettes reduces the amount of oxygen to the heart muscle.
At the same time it makes the heart beat faster, which increases its demand for oxygen. Thus, when smokers with angina pectoris exert themselves, they get chest pain sooner than they normally would. Often this means that they must restrict their activity more than they otherwise would need to. Heart Disease and Chronic Lung Disease Smoking is the main cause of chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Second-hand smoke is also a problem, especially for children.