Final answer:
Cigarette smoking has several negative effects on the circulatory system, including increased heart rate, reduced oxygen transport, narrowing and weakening of blood vessels, a higher risk of heart attack and stroke, and increased risk of blood clotting.
Step-by-step explanation:
Smoking has several negative effects on the circulatory system:
- Increased heart rate: Within one minute of inhaling smoke, the heart rate begins to rise, increasing by up to 30 percent in the first 10 minutes.
- Reduced oxygen transport: Carbon monoxide in tobacco smoke binds with hemoglobin in red blood cells, decreasing the blood's ability to carry oxygen.
- Narrowing and weakening of blood vessels: Chemicals in tobacco smoke lead to the narrowing and weakening of blood vessels, increasing blood pressure and the risk of blood clot formation.
- Higher risk of heart attack and stroke: The changes in blood pressure and clotting increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Smokers are five times more likely to have a heart attack before the age of 40 compared to non-smokers.
- Increased risk of blood clotting: Smoking increases the substances that contribute to blood clotting, further elevating the risk of cardiovascular problems.