LAHORE, Aug. 16, 2026: Smoking is contributing to more than two million deaths from cardiovascular diseases worldwide each year, health experts have warned, highlighting the continuing impact of tobacco use on heart and blood-vessel health.
Experts said tobacco smoke contains thousands of toxic chemicals, including nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide, which can damage the body’s organs and increase the risk of serious diseases including heart disease, stroke, cancer and chronic lung conditions.
According to the report, smoking is also responsible for a substantial proportion of lung cancer cases, with experts noting that around 90% of lung cancer cases are linked to smoking. Tobacco use can damage cellular DNA and expose lung tissue to cancer-causing substances.
Pakistan Also Faces a Major Tobacco Burden
Experts cited in the report said approximately 160,000 people in Pakistan die from tobacco-related diseases each year, equivalent to more than 450 deaths every day.
Pulmonologists warned that smoking is a leading cause of long-term respiratory disease in the country. Continued tobacco exposure can damage airway tissues, weaken the body’s defenses and contribute to progressive lung problems.
Dr. Zeeshan Ali, a pulmonologist quoted by APP, said smoking can cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition involving damaged air sacs and inflamed airways that can make breathing increasingly difficult.
Smoking can also contribute to chronic bronchitis, persistent coughing and excessive mucus production. Experts further warned that heavy smoking can make asthma attacks more difficult to control.
No Safe Level of Smoking
Consultant pulmonologist Dr. Imran-ul-Hassan said there is no safe level of smoking, warning that every cigarette exposes the body to toxic substances and carcinogens.
Smoking-related inflammation and tissue damage can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, COPD and other serious conditions.
The health effects are not limited to long-term smokers. Tobacco exposure can begin affecting the cardiovascular and respiratory systems even before serious symptoms become apparent.
Quitting Can Reduce Health Risks
Experts emphasized the importance of smoking cessation and public awareness about tobacco-related health risks.
Nicotine replacement products, behavioral support and lifestyle changes can help some smokers quit. Professional medical guidance can also be useful for people who have struggled to stop smoking independently.
The global burden of smoking-related cardiovascular disease highlights the importance of prevention, tobacco-control policies and accessible smoking-cessation services. Recent research has also found major gaps in access to comprehensive quitting support, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
The experts’ warning underscores that quitting smoking is one of the most important steps people can take to protect their heart, lungs and overall health.
