Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States. Cigarette smoking is a major cause of CVD and is responsible for about 1 in every 4 U.S. deaths from CVD.
Research shows that smoking increases risk of CVD, including:
- Atherosclerosis
- Coronary heart disease (CHD), including myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death
- Stroke
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
People with CHD who continue to smoke cigarettes after revascularization may have adverse clinical outcomes, including stent thrombosis. Research also shows that exposure to secondhand smoke increases risk of CHD and stroke.