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

> Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (9BI0) — 1.1 Cardiovascular disease and risk · Explain · 5 marks

> Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the UK. Lifestyle factors, including smoking, are known to increase the risk of developing CVD.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke combines with haemoglobin (in red blood cells)
2. This reduces the amount of oxygen carried in the blood / less oxygen delivered to heart muscle
3. Nicotine causes an increase in heart rate / blood pressure
4. High blood pressure damages the lining / walls of arteries
5. This leads to the build-up of fatty deposits / plaques in the artery walls, narrowing the arteries (atherosclerosis), restricting blood flow to the heart / increasing risk of blood clot / heart attack

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (9BI0)](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-eb4f2ecc) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.