With smoking-related myths ever prevalent, it’s easy to be led astray about the dangers that may come with being a smoker, according to a study.

Even occasional smokers can develop arteries that are less responsive to blood flow changes than those of nonsmokers. And the consequences of even a few cigarettes can affect the responsiveness of arteries for days, according to the study co-authored by College of Education kinesiology professor Kevin McCully.

“I think this study shows that as far as our blood vessels are concerned, there is no such thing as occasional smoking,” said Lee Stoner, lead author and a former University doctoral student. “If you smoke, even if only one or two cigarettes with a beer on the weekend, your blood vessels will know about it and your risk for developing cardiovascular disease will increase.”

The study was conducted among 18 college students between 20 and 26 years of age, half nonsmokers and half of whom smoked less than a pack per week. After a series of tests, the study found that smoking lowered the functions of their arteries by 24 percent.

University students responded to the study with mixed reactions.

“For a study to come out about not smoking, it’s just more justification for exactly why you shouldn’t smoke,” said May Advincula, a senior from Riverdale. “When it comes to your health you can’t take risks.”

Allison Barron, a junior from Alpharetta, is an occasional smoker with a different perspective.

“I’m not too worried about it. Smoking has positive psychological effects, too, but it might make me think twice before lighting up again,” said Barron.

But smoking may hinder blood flow, which is important to physical activity.

“The blood flow carries oxygen that goes to your muscles that allow you to do physical work,” said Michael O’Connor, basic physical education coordinator in the College of Education. “If the arteries are unhealthy, that physical work is impaired somewhat.”

“We can’t do anything about our genes,” Stoner said. “But smoking is a cardiovascular disease risk factor that we have full control over.”