# Explain how smoking cigarettes increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

> Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) — 5.3 Non-communicable diseases · Explain · 4 marks

> Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United Kingdom. Smoking is identified as a major lifestyle risk factor for developing this group of diseases.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Carbon monoxide (from cigarette smoke) binds to haemoglobin / reduces the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen
2. The reduced oxygen delivery causes the heart rate to increase
3. Increased heart rate raises blood pressure, which damages artery walls
4. Damaged artery walls lead to the build-up of atheromas / fatty deposits, narrowing arteries and increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke

## Key terms

- [cardiovascular disease](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/cardiovascular-disease)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-smoking-cigarettes-increases-the-a2a2c84a) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.