Sudden death due to heart disease in young smokers is 2-4 times more likely than non smokers and female smokers using birth control pills have a ten fold increased risk of sudden cardiac death. After 15 years of quitting smoking, the risks for heart disease return to levels equal to non-smokers. Other Consequences of Smoking Tobacco causes the skin of the mouth to thicken and form white patches, called leukoplakia. These patches may turn into oral and lip cancers. Dental disease and gum loss is accelerated.
Tobacco use accelerates osteoporosis, the normal bone loss with aging.
This is more evident in women than men, but occurs in both sexes. Osteoporosis is a leading cause of fractures of the spine, wrists and hips. Complications of hip fractures are frequently a cause of death within six months of the fracture. Smoking is associated with bladder, pancreatic, esophageal and kidney cancer, possibly with stomach ulcers, reduced sex drive, premature births and stunted growth of fetuses. Physiologic Effects Related to Flying The major effects of smoking on the pilot are on the respiratory and visual systems.