News for Healthier Living

Health Tip: How Smoking Affects Your Heart

Cancer isn't the only thing to worry about

(HealthDay News) -- Most people realize that smoking causes cancer, but it can also wreak havoc on your heart, experts say.

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute says smoking:

• Damages blood cells, heart function and blood vessels
• Increases the risk of hardening of the arteries, which restricts blood flow.
• Increases the risks of heart disease, which occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries.

February 25, 2015
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