CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
The most common cause of death in the United States is
coronary heart disease, and over the past 20 years many studies have shown an
association between this disease and smoking. In coronary heart disease, the
coronary arteries which nourish the heart muscle itself become narrowed by
deposits. When one of the coronary arteries becomes obstructed, usually by a
clot that forms in the narrowed, roughened vessel, a heart attack results.
Certainly many factors may enter into the development of
coronary artery disease. Sedentary living is one. Diet, particularly diet
heavily laden with fats, is another. Excess weight may be involved. High blood
pressure is an important factor. But cigarette smoking has been found to be
associated with the disease to the point that, as far back as 1965.
