does nicotine gum harden arteries
Sept. 14, 2007 -- New research shows that nicotine from cigarette smoke may promote hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), even with low-nicotine cigarettes. Atherosclerosis makes heart attacks more likely. The new study focuses on mice, not people.But the researchers say the findings may help explain why smoking is a risk factor for heart disease. The best thing to do is quit smoking, says Daniel Catanzaro, PhD, of Cornell University's Weill Medical College, in a news release. That's easy to say but often hard to do.ut the researchers say the findings may help explain why smoking is a risk factor for heart disease. The best thing to do is quit smoking, says Daniel Catanzaro, PhD, of Cornell University's Weill Medical College, in a news release.
Hardening of the arteries, also called atherosclerosis, occurs when fat, cholesterol, and other substances build up in the walls of arteries. These deposits are called plaques. Over time, these plaques can block the arteries and cause problems throughout the body.