SMOKING damage starts immediately.
As South Africa marks World No Tobacco Day on 31 May, health experts are warning smokers that every cigarette places immediate strain on the heart and blood vessels - and the damage starts within minutes of lighting up.
Doctors and health organisations said smoking is not only dangerous in the long term, but every puff triggers a powerful stress response inside the body.
According to experts, nicotine quickly enters the bloodstream and causes the release of adrenaline, leading to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. At the same time, blood vessels narrow, making it harder for blood and oxygen to move through the body.
Heart forced to work harder
Health specialists said cigarette smoke also contains carbon monoxide, which reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen.
This forces the heart to work even harder while receiving less oxygen.
Experts warn that smokers repeat this cycle several times a day, placing constant pressure on the cardiovascular system.
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According to Ingrid Singels, associate director of Scientific Products at Pharma Dynamics, this repeated response is one of the most underestimated effects of smoking.
"Each cigarette triggers a short, intense cardiovascular stress response. Heart rate increases, blood pressure rises, and oxygen delivery is compromised," she said.
A wake-up call for smokers
Singels said many people underestimate the immediate impact smoking has on the body.
"People often think heart disease develops slowly over years, but the damage starts immediately every time you light up," she said.
Health experts also warned that smoking increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes and worsens complications for people already living with diabetes.
Globally, tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths, killing more than seven million people every year, including non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke.
In Mzansi, tobacco-related illnesses claim more than 25 000 lives annually.
Health professionals said quitting smoking is one of the best ways to protect the heart, with blood pressure and heart rate beginning to improve shortly after quitting.
Smokers seeking help are encouraged to contact the National Council Against Smoking Quitline for support and counselling.
