List 5 diseases of the circulatory system caused by smoking
Answer (1)
1. Coronary Heart Disease (CHD): This is the most common type of heart disease and a leading cause of death. Smoking damages the lining of the coronary arteries (which supply blood to the heart), leading to the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), which narrows them and restricts blood flow to the heart muscle. This can cause chest pain (angina), heart attacks, and even sudden cardiac death.2. Stroke: Smoking doubles the risk of stroke. It contributes to plaque buildup in arteries leading to the brain, and it makes blood "stickier" and more prone to clotting. A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked (ischemic stroke) or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts (hemorrhagic stroke), depriving brain cells of oxygen and causing damage or death.3. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): This condition involves the narrowing or blockage of arteries that supply blood to the limbs, most commonly the legs and feet. Smoking is the leading preventable cause of PAD. It can cause pain, numbness, and cramping in the legs during activity, and in severe cases, can lead to non-healing wounds, infections, gangrene, and even amputation.4. Aortic Aneurysm: Smoking is a major risk factor for aortic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms. The aorta is the body's largest artery. Smoking weakens the walls of the aorta, causing a bulge or ballooning (aneurysm) that can rupture, leading to severe internal bleeding and often sudden death.5. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): The chemicals in cigarette smoke, especially nicotine, cause an immediate increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Over time, chronic smoking contributes to sustained high blood pressure, which puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk for heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and other cardiovascular problems.
