Effects of Smoking on the Cardiovascular System

Hmmm... Well, that's the first time I've heard or read that anywhere. I'll have to do my research, but I will say that if I had a choice, I'd rather die suddenly from a heart attack than slowly from lung cancer or emphysema.

Ok I knew there was a typo in that first post. it should read SMOKERS are 2-4 times more likely ..... not NON smokers.

"Major risk factors for heart disease that can be controlled or changed

1. Smoking. Smoker's are at twice the risk of heart attack than are non-smokers. Cigarette smoking is the biggest risk factor for sudden cardiac death. Smokers are two to four times more likely to have sudden cardiac death than non-smokers. Smokers who have a heart attack are more likely to die and die suddenly, as quickly as an hour after the heart attack, than non-smokers. People who smoke cigars and pipes have a higher risk of death from heart disease, but not as high as people who smoke cigarettes. Environmental (or second-hand) tobacco smoke increases the risk of heart disease, even if you don't smoke. Decrease your risk of heart disease by not smoking. If you smoke, stop."

http://www.irmc.org/body.cfm?id=248