Smoking is associated with an acute deterioration of aortic elastic properties. This effect of smoking may contribute to the unfavorable consequences of smoking on the cardiovascular system.

Aortic elastic properties are compromised and energy loss due to aortic wall viscosity is increased in hypertensives compared with normotensives. Function of the aorta is improved in both hypertensive and normotensive subjects after the administration of diltiazem.

Both passive and active smoking are associated with an acute deterioration in the elastic properties of the aorta. This association between exposure to tobacco smoke and aortic elasticity indicates that aortic function deteriorates during passive or active smoking.