VII.16. Smoking

Smoking is a risk factor for various fatal diseases (tumors, stroke, CVD and CHD). Nicotine increases the heart frequency and BP. Carbon monoxide (CO) increases a predisposition to thrombosis, and decreases the strength of the myocardial contraction (negative inotropic effect). It decreases the HDL level and increases the TG and LDL levels. It enhances insulin resistance. It worsens the endothelial function and endothelial NO production.   

After quitting cigarettes, the body needs a long time to eliminate the dangerous effects of nicotine. The values in Table 8 are highly dependent on the person, the smoking habits and the duration of abstinence.

20 min:                       decreases in BP, pulse and body heat

8 hours                        the blood oxygen level increases

48 hours                      the neurological connections are enhanced

                                    the senses of taste and smell are improved

2-12 weeks                  the circulatory and respiratory parameters are improved

                                    walking becomes easier

1-9 months                  the body energy regulation is improved

                                    the lungs start to clarify

1 year                          the risk of CVD drops by half

5 years                         the risk of stroke and tumors is similar to that in nonsmokers

10 years                       the risk of lung cancer is the same as in nonsmokers

15 years                       the risk of CHD is the same as in nonsmokers

Table 8. Physiological changes various times after quitting cigarette smoking