Even light smoking doubles heart disease, death risk: Study
Think just a few cigarettes a day is no big deal?
A new study says otherwise—smoking as little as 2-5 cigarettes daily can raise your risk of heart disease by 50% and increase your chance of dying from any cause by 60%.
Researchers followed over 320,000 adults for 20 years to reach these findings.
The more you smoke, the worse it gets
The risks climb even higher with heavier smoking—11-15 cigarettes a day more than doubles your risk of death from all causes.
The good news: quitting helps. Most benefits show up within the first 20 years after you stop, but some extra risk sticks around for decades compared to people who never smoked.
No safe amount—Quitting matters most
The takeaway? There's really no "safe" level of smoking. Even light smokers face serious long-term health risks.
The study's message is clear: quitting completely—and sooner rather than later—is the best way to protect your heart and health.