EPINEPHRINE in the body. This causes immediate
changes in the walls of the arteries, causing them
to stiffen and narrow. With long-term use of nico-
tine-containing substances these changes become
permanent and alter cardiovascular function, con-
tributing to serious HEARTconditions such as HYPER-
TENSION(high BLOOD PRESSURE) and HEART FAILURE.
The cardiovascular changes also affect the body’s
tiniest arteries, which can result in restricted cir-
culation in the fingers and toes (RAYNAUD’S SYN-
DROME) and of the blood flow to the PENIS, result-
ing in ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION. The only therapeutic
use for nicotine is in nicotine replacement prod-
ucts to treat nicotine addiction (SMOKING CESSA-
TION).
See also ANTISMOKING EFFORTS; CANCER RISK FAC-
TORS; CARCINOGEN; ENVIRONMENTAL CIGARETTE SMOKE;
NEUROTRANSMITTER; SMOKING AND CANCER; SMOKING
AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE (CVD); SMOKING AND
HEALTH; WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME.346 Substance Abuse