Substance Abuse

4.5 Describe the effects of the components of cigarette smoke on the respiratory
and cardiovascular systems
1. Vasoconstriction
2. Increase in the number of erythrocytes
3. Increase in blood viscosity
4. Formation of blood clots

Vasoconstriction

This is the contraction of the smooth muscles found in the arterioles and
reduces blood flow to the capillaries.

This is caused mainly by Nicotine which is a vasoconstrictor, causing the

smooth muscle in the arteries and arterioles walls to contract, narrowing the
lumen making it harder for blood to pump through.

Negative Effects of Vasoconstriction

Peripheral Vascular Disease which can lead to Gangrene and amputation

Increases the chance of strokes

Heart Attacks

Number of Erythrocytes

The number of Erythrocytes increases due to the reduced delivery of oxygen

as Carbon Monoxide binds to the Haemoglobin irreversible forming Carboxy
Haemoglobin, thus reducing the amount of O2 carried.

This stimulates the secretion of Erythropoetin from the Kidneys which causes
an increased production of Erythrocytes

Effects of an increase in Erythrocytes

Dizziness

Weakness

Headache

Joint Pain

Blood Viscosity

Is a measure of the resistance of blood to flow, which also characterizes the

bloods stickiness and thickness.

This resistance is caused by the internal friction within the blood which is
caused by the percentage cells (WBC, RBC) within the blood. A higher
percentage of cells in the blood means the viscosity is higher

Effects of High Blood Viscosity

Increased difficulty in pumping the blood around the body, this can result in:

Blood Clots

Stroke

Formation of Blood Clots

A blood clot is a mass formed by Platelets and Fibrinogen to stop blood loss.

Smoking stimulates the platelets to release factors that promote blood

clotting.

Along with the blood being more viscous and difficult to pump, the chance of
blood clots forming in the arteries increases.

Effects of Blood Clots

Increases the chances of Strokes

Heart Attacks

Deep Vein Thrombosis ( DVT)