CA
A 25-year-old member asked:
Can smoking contribute to a heart attack?
2 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in

Dr. Brian Fishmananswered
Emergency Medicine 11 years experience
Yes: Risk factors for heart attacks include age, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, family history, and tobacco use. Among other things, smoking leads to chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) that forces the heart to work harder to maintain the same level of perfusion, predisposing to a number of cardiomyopathies including right-sided heart failure and myocardial infarction.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Mark Sternanswered
Cardiology 48 years experience
YES !!!!: Yes it is an important addressable risk factor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
FL
A 41-year-old female asked:
Is it true that smoking can cause a sudden heart attack?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Dimitrios Avgerinosanswered
Thoracic Surgery 21 years experience
Heart attack: of course because smoking is one major risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
United Arab Emirates
A 25-year-old male asked:
What is the mechanism by which cigarettes smoking causes heart attack?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Derrick Lonsdaleanswered
Preventive Medicine 75 years experience
The smoke: Contains toxic materials that interfere with your ability to consume oxygen in the process by which your cells create energy. Cells then use a form of energy that is less efficient and their functions change.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 3, 2016
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.