Nicotine Dependence
Health Risks
Tobacco use is responsible for about one in five deaths annually in the United States.
Smoking can damage virtually all systems of your body and can cause:
Cardiovascular disease
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Coronary artery disease (angina pectoris, ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction)
- Cerebrovascular disease (transient ischemic attacks, stroke)
- Peripheral arterial disease
Lung disease
- Acute lung disease, such as pneumonia
- Chronic lung disease, such as emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Cancer
- Acute myeloid leukemia
- Bladder and kidney
- Cervical
- Gastrointestinal
- Laryngeal, pharyngeal, oral cavity and esophageal
- Lung
- Pancreatic
- Increased risk of breast cancer
- Increased risk of cancer recurrences in general
Reproductive conditions
- Increased rate of impotence and sperm abnormalities in men
- Infant mortality
- Poor pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight and preterm delivery
- Reduced fertility in women
Other conditions
Other conditions related to smoking include:
- Cataracts
- Osteoporosis
- Periodontitis or gum disease
- Peptic ulcer disease
Second-hand smoke
Second-hand smoke can cause premature death and disease in both children and adult non-smokers.
Children exposed to second-hand smoke are at an increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and may also develop:
- Acute respiratory infections
- Ear problems
- More severe asthma
- Respiratory symptoms and slowed lung growth if parents smoke
Adults exposed to second-hand smoke are at increased risk for coronary heart disease and lung cancer. Second-hand smoke may also have an immediate negative effect on your cardiovascular system.
UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.