How does smoking affect arteries?

Certain compounds found in tobacco smoke cause low density lipoprotein (LD cholesterol) to increase and high density lipoprotein (HD cholesterol) to decrease.

This can lead to the build-up of cholesterol within the arteries, narrowing them and raising blood pressure. This is more likely if the person already has a relatively high cholesterol level, though, and is less likely if the person's total lipid profile is very low.

It is misleading to suggest that smoking physically alters the structure of arteries by saying that smoking makes arteries stiff.

Like all risk factors related to smoking, these are just that—risk factors; smoking increases the likelihood that they will occur, but does not guarantee it. This is why some people can smoke for 40 years without experiencing any health issues, while others can smoke for 10 years and develop lung cancer. It's a risk issue.

Smoking damages the inner lining of arteries, leading to the buildup of fatty deposits, narrowing the arteries and restricting blood flow. This can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.