Dr London Warns Smoking And Vaping Can Damage Organs Throughout The Entire Body

Smoking and vaping are often discussed primarily in terms of lung damage, but their effects can extend across the body, according to cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Jeremy London. In a recent Instagram video, the US-based heart surgeon explained why he considers smoking, including cigarettes, marijuana and vaping, among the most harmful habits for overall health. Dr London, who has 25 years of experience as a cardiothoracic surgeon, said the damage is not limited to the lungs because substances inhaled through smoking or vaping can affect blood vessels and, in turn, the delivery of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.

Dr London began with the lungs, which have the basic function of bringing oxygen into the body and removing carbon dioxide.

He warned that inhaling substances other than air can expose the lungs to potentially harmful chemicals and particles. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals, while vaping aerosols can contain nicotine, flavouring compounds and other substances. The surgeon said smoking anything, including tobacco, marijuana or vaping products, can harm the body. His warning comes as vaping is often perceived by some users as a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes, although health experts continue to caution that e-cigarettes are not harmless and their long-term health effects are still being studied.

The surgeon also focused on the cardiovascular system. According to Dr London, smoking can damage the inner lining of blood vessels, contributing to blockages and impairing circulation. When blood vessels become damaged or narrowed, the supply of oxygen and nutrients to tissues can be affected.

Smoking is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke. Nicotine can also increase heart rate and blood pressure, while exposure to carbon monoxide from combustible tobacco reduces the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. These effects help explain why tobacco use is considered a major preventable contributor to cardiovascular illness and premature death. Dr London stressed that the consequences can reach far beyond the heart and lungs.

Toxic substances associated with smoking can enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body, exposing multiple organs to harmful effects. Long-term smoking is associated with cancers affecting several parts of the body, chronic respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease and other serious health problems.

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Vaping also exposes users to nicotine and other chemicals, and although its risk profile differs from combustible tobacco, it should not be regarded as risk-free. Dr London has previously warned that inhaling vape aerosol can damage lung tissue and that he has treated patients with severe vaping-related lung problems. The challenge for many smokers is not simply knowing that tobacco is dangerous but overcoming nicotine dependence.

Dr London acknowledged that quitting can be difficult because nicotine addiction can produce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, changes in mood, sleep difficulties and increased appetite. However, he said stopping smoking is one of the most important steps a person can take to improve overall health.

The body begins to recover after smoking stops, with some beneficial changes occurring relatively quickly. The length and extent of recovery vary depending on how long and how heavily a person has smoked, but quitting at any age can reduce the risk of serious disease.

Dr London urged smokers to seek appropriate help rather than attempting to rely only on willpower. Evidence-based cessation support can include counselling, behavioural strategies and approved nicotine-replacement or other medicines when medically appropriate. People who vape should also consider support to end nicotine dependence rather than assuming that vaping carries no health consequences.

Quitting also reduces exposure to toxic substances over time and can lower the risk of developing smoking-related disease. For people who have tried and relapsed, repeated attempts are common, and professional support can improve the chances of successfully stopping. The goal is complete cessation rather than simply reducing the number of cigarettes smoked each day and staying smoke-free long term.

The surgeon's central message is that protecting health requires looking beyond a single organ: smoking and nicotine exposure can affect the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and contribute to wider disease risk. Anyone concerned about quitting can discuss a personalised cessation plan with a qualified healthcare professional.

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