Tobacco use - effects on arteries
Tobacco use - effects on arteries - Animation
Here, we see a comparison of an artery affected with plaque in a non-smoker and smoker. The artery of the smoker is at greater risk for developing complications since smoking constrict arteries, predisposing them to clotting by altering platelet function and coagulability of blood. The result is blockage of the artery.
Reviewed By
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.