Consider that each puff of nicotine temporarily increases heart rate and blood pressure, even as less oxygen-rich blood circulates through the body.
Smoking also leads to clumping or stickiness in the blood vessels feeding the heart.
People who quit smoking are more likely have their heart failure symptoms improve. Lifetime smokers often need help to quit successfully. The healthcare team can provide information about smoking cessation programs, as can the American Lung Association and the American Cancer Society . These tips may also help smokers quit. Keep busy doing things that make it hard to smoke, like working in the yard, washing dishes and being more active.