Final answer:
The assertion that cigarette smoking does not affect coronary heart disease is false. Smoking is a significant risk factor for heart disease, as it can damage blood vessels, increase blood pressure, and lead to conditions such as atherosclerosis and heart attacks at a younger age.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Cigarette smoking does not affect coronary heart disease.' is false. Smoking has been widely recognized as a major risk factor for developing coronary heart disease. The inhalation of tobacco smoke causes an immediate increase in heart rate and introduces carbon monoxide, which reduces the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. Chemicals in tobacco smoke can also damage the lining of the arteries, leading to a build-up of fatty material (atheroma), which narrows arteries and makes heart disease more likely.
Furthermore, smoking contributes to higher levels of blood cholesterol and an increased risk of clot formation, which are significant contributors to heart disease and stroke. In stark contrast to the assertion, the Surgeon General's warning explicitly states that smoking causes heart diseases, among other severe health issues.
Sustained exposure to the harmful substances in cigarette smoke leads to long-term cardiovascular consequences. Smokers are at a substantially higher risk for heart attacks, especially at a younger age, compared to non-smokers. For example, smokers are five times more likely to experience a heart attack before age 40. Therefore, smoking has many detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system, and its impact extends beyond the respiratory system.