Professor Ekaterina Polyakova, a cardiovascular specialist, reported that smokers are 38 percent more likely to develop metabolic syndrome than non-smokers

She explained that metabolic syndrome includes disorders in carbohydrate and fat metabolism and high blood pressure, stressing that smoking is an independent factor that contributes to the emergence of these disorders.

She added that smokers who wish to quit can be supported with alternative methods of nicotine delivery during the transition phase, but the ultimate goal should be complete cessation of all forms of smoking and nicotine-containing products.

She stressed that tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 harmful substances, making complete cessation essential for cardiovascular health.