How much is nicotine really costing you?

Based on peer-reviewed research on tobacco, vaping and nicotine use. Effects vary by person — but the pattern is consistent.

• Heart & circulation

  Smoking roughly doubles your risk of a heart attack and is a leading cause of premature cardiovascular death worldwide. Nicotine raises heart rate and blood pressure within minutes and stiffens arteries over time.
• Lungs & airways

  Around 7 in 10 lung cancers globally are caused by smoking, and it's the single biggest driver of COPD. Shisha and vaping are both linked to chronic cough, wheeze and airway inflammation.
• Brain & mood

  Nicotine hijacks dopamine, which is why cravings feel urgent. Reviews of long-term studies show quitting is linked to lower anxiety and depression within weeks — not higher.
• Your wallet

  At your current rate, that's £4,106.25 a year — enough for a family holiday, most of a used car, or a serious dent in a mortgage.

Sources: WHO Tobacco Fact Sheet (2023), NHS & Cancer Research UK smoking statistics, US Surgeon General reports, Cochrane review on smoking cessation and mental health (2021).