Short‑Term and Long‑Term Health Effects of Tobacco Smoking

Short‑Term Effects

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Narrowed blood vessels
• Decreased circulation and oxygen to the heart and brain
• Increased risk of blood clots
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Hoarseness
• Loss of sense of smell
• Loss of taste

Long‑Term Effects

• Cancer of the lungs, mouth, throat, larynx, bladder, and kidneys
• Chronic bronchitis
• Emphysema
• Stroke
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Gum disease
• Tooth loss
• Osteoporosis
• Decreased vision
• Memory loss
• Impotence
• Premature death

Quitting smoking at any age reduces these risks significantly. Consult a healthcare provider for cessation support.