Smoking Clogs Your Arteries
Front of Cigarette Pack (representation only) | Back of Cigarette Pack (representation only) |
Cigarette smoke damages the cells lining the blood vessels and makes clots more likely to form in blood vessels. Smoking cigarettes also contributes to the build up of fat deposits that collect on the inner lining of the blood vessels. This leads to scar-like tissue and atherosclerotic plaque. 2
Atherosclerosis is the main underlying problem in cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease, stroke and other forms of blood vessel disease such as peripheral vascular disease and abdominal aortic aneurysms. 3,4
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Australia. Coronary heart disease is the largest single cause of death and stroke is the second largest cause of death in Australia. 4
There are about 170,000 Australians living with atherosclerosis. 5 Smoking causes 43% of atherosclerosis among males and 35% among females. 6
Compared to non-smokers, someone who has ever smoked is 40% more likely to develop atherosclerosis 7 and a current smoker is 150% (2.5 times) more likely to develop the disease. 6
Quitting smoking will reduce your chance of developing heart disease. After one year of not smoking your risk of heart disease is halved. Fifteen years after stopping smoking your risk of heart disease is the same as a non-smoker. 8
Your risk of stroke also decreases after quitting. Between five and 15 years after quitting your risk of having a stroke is the same as a non-smoker. 1
Men who smoke are also more likely to develop impotence than non-smokers, due to reduced blood flow to the penis caused by atherosclerosis. Even without atherosclerosis, smoking can lead to the temporary constriction of blood vessels (vasoconstriction) which also reduces blood flow to the penis. 2
Also see the fact sheet on peripheral vascular disease for more information.
Decided to quit smoking? For help, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or call the Quitline on 131 848 or visit the Quitline web site at www.quitnow.info.au .
Sources
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Reasons to quit
Every cigarette you don’t smoke is doing you good. There are many health benefits to quitting, some of which you’ll be able to notice within hours or days. Similarly, within days, you’ll also notice the extra money in your pocket you’ve saved from quitting.
Ways to quit
Quitting smoking can be one of the most difficult, yet rewarding things a person can do. Most smokers' say they would like to quit, and may have tried at least once. These tips and facts will assist you in quitting for good.
Help and support
Quitting smoking can be hard, but you’re not alone. Quitline and Quit Coach can offer the support and guidance you need to quit for good.
Quit Now Calculator
Use the online calculator to see how much money you could save if you quit smoking. The calculator provides you with a range of goals, and the time it would take you to reach them.