In both men and women smoking one to four cigarettes per day can be associated with a significant higher risk of ischemic heart disease. There is a study published in the Journal of Tobacco Control where researchers have tracked the health records of men and women from 1970 to 2002.

What they have found is that men who were light smokers had about three times the likelihood of dying from lung cancer and heart failure. Non-smokers lived on average from five to eight years longer.     The dangers of smoking have been well documented though the years and there is proof that the risks far outweigh the habit. It has also been proven that cigarettes are the most addicting substance known. It is very hard to quit once you become addicted. There are also studies that show developments of age-related macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness in elderly people.
     By reviewing these studies and realizing the cost not only in heart disease or cancer, but the cost to your children and others that care about you, please try to get help and quit before it is too late. There are many things you can do now that can help you quit. Talk to your doctor or pharmacy and ask for help - they are more than willing to help. But first you have to have the willingness to quit more than you want to smoke. Please get help where ever you can, and quit smoking, even if you only smoke a few cigarettes a day.
References:
Yahoo News: Light Smoking triples Risk Of heart Disease Death. 2005
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20050921/hl_nm/smoking_dc&printer=1;_ylt=ar45JSKFJvF