Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects nearly half of adults in the U.S. and is a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Smoking and other forms of tobacco use contribute to hypertension in several ways:

• Narrowing Blood Vessels – Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict, making it harder for blood to flow and increasing blood pressure.
• Increased Heart Rate – Smoking raises heart rate, forcing the heart to work harder than normal.
• Reduced Oxygen Levels – Carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke replaces oxygen in the blood, straining the heart and circulatory system.
• Long-Term Artery Damage – Chemicals in tobacco damage blood vessel walls, leading to hardened arteries and long-term increases in blood pressure.

Even occasional tobacco use can cause spikes in blood pressure, leading to cumulative damage over time.