Nicotine's Impact on Arteries: Understanding the Risks

Nicotine is a compound of the alkaloid family and it is found in many plants, including tobacco. Its ability to work as a stimulant in the brain and nervous system is what leads to its addictive properties. But, nicotine has many effects on the human body.

Effects on Blood Pressure

• Nicotine works as a stimulant, which causes the heart to pump faster. This leads to a rise in blood pressure within the arteries.

Direct Effects on Arteries

• Nicotine also acts as a vasoconstrictor, which means that it makes blood vessels narrow. This also increased the blood pressure within arteries.

Effects on Lipids

• Nicotine also causes stores of cholesterol and fat to be released into the bloodstream. Cholesterol is a major component of the atherosclerotic plaques that arises in arteries.

Effects on Blood Clots

• Nicotine has also been shown to increase the amount of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, a protein who helps promote blood clotting. This can increase the risks of clots in the arteries.

Features

• Nicotine's effects are strongest on the arteries that are located in the limbs, as they are the smallest and most easily affected by small changes.