What health problems can nicotine make worse?

Heart Disease

* Increases blood pressure and cholesterol levels

* Increases the risk of stroke

* Can cause plaque to form on the arteries

* Can lead to heart attacks

Stroke

* Nicotine can cause blood clots to form in the arteries leading to the brain

* Can also lead to a stroke by causing damage to the arteries in the brain

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

* Nicotine is the main cause of COPD

* Can cause damage to the lungs by destroying air sacs and causing airway inflammation

* COPD is a progressive disease that can lead to death

Diabetes

* Nicotine can make it more difficult for the body to control blood glucose levels

* This can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes

Pregnancy Complications

* Nicotine can increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

* Can cause damage to the placenta and disrupt the growth and development of the fetus

* Can also lead to health problems for the mother, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes

Other Health Problems

* Nicotine can also cause:

* Cancer

* Gum disease

* Cataracts

* Macular degeneration

* Skin aging