It also changes the makeup of the mucus producing glands and as a result the mucus itself. Mucus glands sometimes become plugged and less able to produce mucus. The result is that smokers mucus becomes contaminated with potentially harmful substances, it is more likely to become trapped in the lung tissue. (Sherman 355).
Smoking impairs lung growth and lung tissue in children and young people. Another type of lung growth harm occurs in smokers between the ages of 20 to 40. During this period of life the lungs undergo a type of growth called the plateau phase. This phase is shortened in smokers which shorten the time with which tobacco made diseases develop. Smokers who take up smoking at younger ages are more likely to suffer smoking related disease after shorter period of time than are smokers who begin smoking later in life. (Peterson) Twenty percent of people who smoke get heart disease. Smokers in there thirties and forties have a heart-attack rate that is five times higher than their nonsmoking peers. Smoking lowers HDL levels which causes weakening in the aorta one of the largest blood vessels in the body and increases the risk for blood clots. .
Smoking also increases the activity in the sympathetic nervous system which regulates the heart and blood vessels. The more a person smokes the higher the chance of developing coronary heart disease and experiencing a heart attack. (Davis) In women who smoke the risk for a heart attack is about 50% greater than in male smokers. Researchers speculate that tobacco smoke may increase cardiovascular disease in women through an effect on hormones that causes estrogen deficiency. .
Quitting will rapidly decrease the risk of developing heart disease, but long-term smoking may still permanently damage arteries. Studies continue to confirm the dangers of second hand smoke. One study reported that exposure to second hand smoke is just as dangerous in the workplace as it is at home.