The effect of nicotine on the heart, as a whole, is that it can eventually lead to heart failure and heart attack when used regularly and in large enough quantities. It does this in a variety of ways, including reducing the function of blood vessels, raising blood pressure, and blood flow restriction. All of these things compounded together leads to the heart working harder than normal to pump the same amount of blood and can cause serious complications over time.
One of the main effects of nicotine on the heart is that it raises blood pressure. This usually occurs slowly over the course of years, but can eventually cause hypertension. Once blood pressure raises to dangerous levels, the heart must work harder to do its job, which can result in strain on the heart muscle itself and the surrounding arteries. Although it generally takes many years of regular use, this chain of reactions can lead to heart attack and heart disease.
Studies have not yet shown whether or not there is a safe amount of nicotine. Therefore, it is generally recommended that consumers avoid it altogether. Using very small quantities on rare occasions isn't likely to cause serious health implications, but nicotine is highly addictive, so it is hard to consume in limited quantities.
Its addictive qualities is are the most dangerous effects of nicotine on the heart, since those who use it once are very likely to use it again. There is not set number of times it takes to become addicted to a substance, as each individual is different, but nicotine containing products are among the most easy to become hooked. Cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco all contain varying amounts of nicotine.
When combined with other harmful substances, the effect of nicotine on the heart is often compounded. For instance, cigarettes contain tar and other chemicals which are incredibly harmful to the heart and lungs. Chewing tobacco is not as hard on the heart and organs, but it still contains harmful substances which can lead to health issues like cancer.
Even “light” cigarettes are harmful for the heart and lungs. Consumers who use them often end up smoking twice as much rather than cut down on nicotine consumption. Nicotine-containing patches, gums, and electric cigarettes are still unhealthy, but when used appropriately as a non-smoking aid, they are a safer alternative to actual cigarettes.