Are Smokeless Tobacco Products Safe For The Heart?

Dr. Hutter answers the question: 'Is Smokeless Tobacco Safe For The Heart?'

By
Dolph Hutter, M.D., Cardiologist, Massachusetts General Hospital
December 26, 2008, 1:35 PM ET
1 min read

— -- Question: Are Smokeless Tobacco Products Safe For The Heart?

Answer: Smokeless tobacco products are not safe for the heart.

The tobacco is absorbed through the mucosa in the mouth, and it has a cardiovascular effect -- it causes the arteries to narrow a little bit, it upsets endothelial function -- so it is not safe for the heart.

Furthermore, smokeless tobacco causes oral cancers.

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