North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Resource to Master Your Midwifery Certification!

Women who smoke are indeed at a heightened risk for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. This is primarily due to the harmful substances in tobacco smoke, which can lead to the development of various cardiovascular conditions, including heart disease and strokes. Smoking contributes to the buildup of plaque in the arteries and can cause hypertension, both of which are significant risk factors for cardiovascular events.

Additionally, smoking is a major cause of respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. The inhalation of smoke damages lung tissue and reduces lung function over time. These health consequences are well-documented, making smoking one of the most significant risk factors for both cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in women and men alike.

Other options, while associated with health risks, do not show the same strong correlation with smoking as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases do.