How Years of Smoking May Affect Heart Health After Quitting

Smoking for a long time can affect the body’s blood vessels.

A cardiologist says these changes may make plaque more likely to form and blood flow less healthy.

This can matter when doctors check someone’s heart risks.

Quitting does not mean a person’s past smoking history is irrelevant.

Doctors may consider how much someone smoked before they quit.

Other things, like blood pressure and cholesterol, can also affect heart health.

Diabetes, extra weight, little physical activity and family history may matter too.

The article says there is reason not to think quitting is “too little, too late.”