How does smoking impact cardiovascular health?

Smoking significantly impacts cardiovascular health by increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. The chemicals found in tobacco smoke can cause damage to the blood vessels, leading to a buildup of plaque in the arteries, which is a key factor in atherosclerosis. When the arteries become narrowed due to plaque accumulation, it restricts blood flow and raises the chances of heart attacks and strokes.

In addition to promoting atherosclerosis, smoking contributes to various cardiovascular diseases by increasing inflammation, altering lipid profiles, elevating heart rate, and increasing blood pressure. Collectively, these factors culminate in a higher incidence of coronary artery disease and other heart-related issues.

The other options incorrectly portray the effects of smoking on cardiovascular health; for instance, smoking does not decrease blood pressure, improve circulation, or enhance heart rate recovery. In fact, it tends to do the opposite, exacerbating cardiovascular problems.