Tobacco
Tobacco packaging warning messages are health warning messages that appear on the packaging of cigarettes and other tobacco products. They have been implemented in an effort to enhance the public's awareness of the harmful effects of smoking. In general, warnings used in different countries try to emphasize the same messages. Warnings for some countries are listed below. Such warnings have been commonplace in tobacco advertising for many years. Canada was the first country in the world to adopt mandatory warning images in cigarette packages.
Effects of Smoking on the Heart and Vessels
Effects of Smoking on the Heart and VesselsIt has been reported that smoking alone is responsible for at least 20% of all heart disease around the world. It is, however, difficult to ascertain the definite figures as many smokers continue to live in ignorance of their high blood pressure and heart disease.Smoking causes the cells to constrict, which has the effect of narrowing vessels, causing an increase in workload for the heart and a consequential drop in oxygen content around the body. Nicotine also causes palpitations and can contribute to the heart muscle not functioning to its full ability.The carbon monoxide found in cigarettes also prevents the ability of the red blood cells to carry oxygen, which leads to other cells in the body becoming oxygen depleted and therefore not able to function as effectively as they should.Another of the great risks involves the role of the chemicals found in cigarettes raising the stickiness of the blood. Platelet and fibrinogen levels found in the blood are found to increase in smokers, this causes the blood to thicken and collect in the vessels, which, in turn, allows fatty deposits to build-up. This is very dangerous and can significantly contribute to the likelihood of angina, heart attack and death occurring.
