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Scene Two
Smoking & breathing

Within one minute after lighting up a cigarette, the smoker's heart rate begins to increase; it may increase by as much as 30 percent during the first 10 minutes of smoking.

It is the nicotine in the smoke that causes the heart rate and blood pressure to increase.

(Anthea Sieveking/Wellcome Images)

Nicotine in the smoke temporarily increases the blood pressure, the heart rate, the amount of blood pumped by the heart and the blood flow in the heart's arteries. Nicotine also causes the arteries in the arms and legs to constrict and narrow.

Smoking not only damages the alveoli by reducing the amount of oxygen supply to cells, it also increases blood clotting and seriously damages the layer of cells that line the coronary arteries and all other blood vessels.

When smoking, carbon monoxide enters the blood and reduces the amount of oxygen available to the heart and to the rest of the body. Cigarette smoke also causes the blood to become sticky and cluster, making the blood thicker and more difficult to pump around the body. Fatty deposits cling to the inner walls of the arteries making them narrow and constricted and causing the heart to work harder.

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inhaling cigarette smoke into the lungs

Smoking and breathing
an increase in the amount of blood pumped by the heart. An increase in blood flow in the arteries and an increase in breathing rate.

Unhealthy heart beat
An increase in heart rate and blood pressure due to the absorption of nicotine (stimulant)

Wheezing
smoking has damaged the alveoli reducing the amount of oxygen to the cells. Smoker’s breathing is harder and faster to obtain more oxygen.

Spluttering
Noise of coughing. The respiratory system trying to protect itself from cigarette smoke

Sticky Blood
blood becoming sticky and clinging to the inner walls of the arteries making it difficult to pump around the body

Curriculum Module
Unit 9B – Fit and healthy

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