Skip to main content

Nicotine’s Physiological Impact

Meaning

Nicotine’s physiological impact refers to the complex and wide-ranging effects of the alkaloid compound nicotine on various organ systems, primarily mediated through its interaction with the nervous and endocrine systems. While often associated with its addictive properties, nicotine acts as an agonist on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), leading to acute effects on heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness, alongside chronic effects on metabolic and hormonal balance. Clinically, understanding this impact is essential for managing health risks and counseling patients regarding its systemic consequences.