Tobacco smoking can lead to lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
It increases the risk of heart disease, which can lead to stroke or heart attack.
It can cause an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, the flow of blood to the heart and a narrowing of the arteries (vessels that carry blood).
The chemicals in tobacco smoke damage the delicate lining of the lungs and can cause permanent damage that reduces the ability of the lungs to exchange air efficiently.