Circulatory Systems

We are all aware at the face that smoking is horrible for your entire body. In this section you will
learn more in depth the negative effects on the respiratory system.

Your Circulatory System

The image above is your body's circulatory system. The circulatory system's 3 main parts are the heart,
blood, and blood vessels. The jobs of your circulatory system is to transport things throughout the body.
This includes water and other nutrients the body needs to function.
Smoking a Cigarette
There are MANY different harmful consequences from smoking a cigarette. They can include
-Raised blood pressure and heart rate
-Constriction (tightening) of blood vessels in the skin, resulting in a drop in skin temperature
-Less oxygen carried by the blood
-Stickier blood, which is more prone to clotting
-Damage to the lining of the arteries, which is thought to be a contributing factor to atherosclerosis (the

build-up of fatty deposits on the artery walls)

-Reduced blood flow to extremities like fingers and toes
-Increased risk of stroke and heart attack due to blockages of the blood supply.
Diseases in the Circulatory System
-Coronary Heart disease
-Stroke
-peripheral vascular disease.
-abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S, and is mainly caused by smoking.
Cigarettes form plaques that form in the arteries, which can lead to atherosclerosia, which is also known
as hardening of the arteries.
Symptoms:
-chest pain
-shortness of breath
-nausea
-weakness or dizziness
Stroke
Stroke is the 3rd most common cause of death in the U.S.Toxins in the blood from smoking cigarettes
contribute to the development of atherosclerosia. Atherosclerosis is a progressive hardening of the
arteries caused by the deposit of fatty plaques and the scarring and thickening of the artery wall.
Inflammation of the artery wall and the development of blood clots can obstruct blood flow and cause
heart attacks or strokes.
Symptoms:
-trouble with walking, speaking, or seeing
-headache
-paralysis or numbness on one side of body

Peripheral Vascular Disease

This is similar to almost any other disease from the circulatory system. In PAD, fatty deposits build up in
the inner linings of the artery walls. These blockages restrict blood circulation, mainly in arteries leading to
the kidneys, stomach, arms, legs and feet. In its early stages a common symptom is cramping or fatigue
in the legs and buttocks during activity. Such cramping subsides when the person stands still. This is
called "intermittent claudication." People with PAD often have fatty buildup in the arteries of the heart and
brain. Because of this association, most people with PAD have a higher risk of death from heart attack
and stroke.
Symptoms:
-Patients rarely show symptoms
-Leg Pain
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
This disease happens when large blood vessel that supplies blood to the abdomen, pelvis, and legs
becomes abnormally large or balloons outward. It happens slowly over a period of years.
Symptoms:
-Abdominal mass

-Abdominal rigidity
-Anxiety
-Clammy skin
-Nausea and vomiting
-Pain in the abdomen or back -- severe, sudden, persistent, or constant. The pain may radiate to
groin, buttocks, or legs.
-Pulsating sensation in the abdomen
-Rapid heart rate when rising to a standing position
-Shock

Respiratory Systems
We all are aware at the fact that smoking is horrible for your entire body. In this section you will learn
more in depth the negative effects on the respiratory system.

Your Respiratory System

The image above is your respiratory system. Its function is to move gas exchange throughout the
body. It is key to keep it healthy, and avoid harmful substances such as tobacco.
Smoking A Cigarette
Beginning with the basics, we all know that when you smoke a cigarette, you inhale smoke into your
lungs. While doing that, your lungs are exposed to a whopping 4,000 harmful substances and toxins
just from the cigarette smoke. They can impair your lungs ability to function, and can increase your
risks of being diagnosed with a respiratory disease.
Respiratory Diseases
There are many diseases caused by smoking. On a total, more than 438,000 people each year die
from smoking related causes. Respiratory diseases caused by smoking include emphysema, lung
cancer, and chronic bronchitis. Stated below is more information on each respiratory disease or
illness individually.
Emphysema:
This is a chronic lung disease. The affects are in the air sacs in the lungs (alveoli). There is no cure
for this disease, but treatments include inhalers, or inhaled steroids. Sometimes, surgery is a
necessity. It is proven that smoking and second hand smoke is the main cause.
SYMPTOMS
-Fatigue
-Shortness of Breath
-Coughing
-Weight Loss
-Depression
-Heart Problems
Lung Cancer:
This disease is an abnormal, continual multiplying of cells that has possible results of lumps,
masses, or tumors beginning in the lining of the bronchi (large airways), and possibly other areas of

the respiratory system. As the tumor grows, it may or may not cause a cough. Smoking, including
secondhand smoke, is the leading cause of lung cancer.
SYMPTOMS
-constant chest pain
-shortness of breath
-wheezing
-recurring lung infections
-bloody or rust-colored sputum
-hoarseness
-swelling of the neck and face
-pain and weakness in the shoulder arm, or hand
-unexplained fever.
Chronic Bonchitis:
This is a long-term inflamation of the bronchi (large airways), while symptoms include coughing for
long periods of time. Just like emphysema, there is no cure for this disease, but treatments include
inhalers, or inhaled steroids. Sometimes, surgery is a necessity. It is proven that smoking and
second hand smoke is the main cause.
SYMPTOMS
-coughing for long periods of time (may include mucus)
-low fever
-tiredness