How does smoking damage blood vessels and contribute to arteriosclerosis?

Smoking tobacco severely compromises the circulatory system through several harmful mechanisms. The chemicals in cigarettes, such as nicotine, cause blood vessels to constrict, which elevates blood pressure and forces the heart to work harder.1

Furthermore, smoking damages the delicate lining of the blood vessels. This injury creates an environment where fat deposits can easily adhere to the vessel walls, a process that leads to arteriosclerosis, or the hardening of the arteries.1

Beyond structural damage, smoking alters the composition of the blood itself, making it thicker and stickier. Additionally, carbon monoxide from smoke binds to hemoglobin more readily than oxygen does, reducing the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity and further straining the heart. These combined effects significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke.123