What health issues does smoking raise the risk of?

Smoking significantly increases the risk of several health issues, particularly those affecting the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Increased blood pressure is a direct consequence of smoking due to the harmful effects of nicotine and other chemicals that lead to vascular constriction and damage. This elevated blood pressure can subsequently contribute to a higher likelihood of heart disease and stroke.

Additionally, smoking is well-known to cause lung damage, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema. The inhalation of tobacco smoke exposes the lungs to harmful substances that inflame and destroy lung tissue, leading to decreased lung function over time.

Given these points, the choice highlights the two critical health issues—elevated blood pressure and lung damage—that are directly associated with smoking, making it a pertinent answer in the context of the risks linked to tobacco use.