How does smoking affect vital signs?

Smoking has a significant impact on vital signs, primarily by raising both blood pressure and heart rate. This occurs due to the presence of nicotine and other chemicals in tobacco smoke, which stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. Nicotine leads to the release of catecholamines, such as adrenaline, which increase heart rate by causing the heart to pump more forcefully and frequently. Similarly, these chemicals cause blood vessels to constrict, resulting in elevated blood pressure as the heart works harder to navigate through narrower pathways.

Rather than improving respiratory function, smoking is associated with various respiratory issues and can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), reduced lung capacity, and other significant health problems. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the physiological changes that occur following smoking: both heart rate and blood pressure rise, indicating a stressed cardiovascular system.