What effect does smoking have on blood pressure?

Smoking has a significant impact on blood pressure largely due to the harmful substances it contains, such as nicotine. When a person smokes, nicotine causes the blood vessels to constrict, which increases the resistance in the vasculature. This constriction leads to an increase in heart rate and consequently raises blood pressure as the heart works harder to pump blood through the narrowed vessels.

Additionally, smoking can cause long-term damage to the blood vessels, leading to increased stiffness and further contributing to hypertension. The combination of these acute and chronic effects makes smoking a major risk factor for developing high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases.

Understanding the direct relationship between smoking and increased blood pressure is crucial for effectively managing hypertension and promoting heart health.