Smoking's Effect on the Body

Peripheral Vascular Disease:

Smoking is the single most important risk factor for the development of large vessel peripheral vascular disease. This is mediated through smoking induced atherosclerosis and vasoconstriction. Cigarette smoking reduces patency rates of femoropopliteal vein grafts. Smoking more than 15 cigarettes per day more than doubles the rate of limb amputation after revascularization as compared to those of never smokers.