Effects of Nicotine on Arteries
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Effects on Blood Pressure
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Nicotine works as a stimulant, which causes the heart to pump faster. This leads to a rise in blood pressure within the arteries.
Direct Effects on Arteries
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Nicotine also acts as a vasoconstrictor, which means that it makes blood vessels narrow. This also increased the blood pressure within arteries.
Effects on Lipids
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Nicotine also causes stores of cholesterol and fat to be released into the bloodstream. Cholesterol is a major component of the atherosclerotic plaques that arises in arteries.
Effects on Blood Clots
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Nicotine has also been shown to increase the amount of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, a protein who helps promote blood clotting. This can increase the risks of clots in the arteries.
Features
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Nicotine's effects are strongest on the arteries that are located in the limbs, as they are the smallest and most easily affected by small changes.
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