Shown here is a comparison of an artery affected with plaque in a non-smoker and smoker. The artery of the smoker is at greater risk for developing complications since smoking constrict arteries, predisposing them to clotting by altering platelet function and coagulability of blood. The result is blockage of the artery.
Reviewed last on: 10/10/2008
Larry A. Weinrauch, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and Private practice specializing in Cardiovascular Disease, Watertown, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
