Why do some people live long even though they smoke?

That’s because a very few people are physiologically less susceptible to the arterial aging and carcinogenic effects of cigarette smoke than the rest of us. These people have higher levels of specific enzymes that activate the carcinogens contained in smoke.

How long do heavy smokers live?

The study shows that smokers die relatively young. An estimated 23 percent of consistent heavy smokers never reach the age of 65. This is 11 percent among light smokers and 7 percent among non-smokers. Life expectancy decreases by 13 years on average for heavy smokers compared to people who have never smoked.

Can you live a long life and smoke?

Smoking results in lower life expectancy and the magnitude may surprise you. The evidence about smoking and longevity is pretty definitive: those who don’t smoke tend to live significantly longer.

Can you smoke and live to be 100?

But with others making it to 100 despite their smoking and drinking, scientists have long suspected it could be something in the genes that decides who lives long and who dies young. New research in Japan has found such a genetic link.

Why are some people more prone to get cancer from smoking?

These people have higher levels of specific enzymes that activate the carcinogens contained in smoke. Nitrosamines, by-products of cigarette smoking, interact with the body’s own enzymes to create a new chemical that is highly inflammatory and highly carcinogenic, or damaging to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).

Why are some people less susceptible to the effects of smoking?

That’s because a very few people are physiologically less susceptible to the arterial aging and carcinogenic effects of cigarette smoke than the rest of us. These people have higher levels of specific enzymes that activate the carcinogens contained in smoke.

What are the benefits of quitting smoking?

While quitting smoking can be very difficult for some smokers, there are smoking cessation programs and medications that can help smokers quit. There are many lifelong benefits of doing so, like increased lung function and decreased risk of heart disease and cancer.

Is it possible to smoke a pack of cigarettes a day?

There are always a few die-hards who smoke a pack a day from age eighteen and live to be ninety. That’s because a very few people are physiologically less susceptible to the arterial aging and carcinogenic effects of cigarette smoke than the rest of us.