Smoking the cause?

I have been diagnosed with panic disorder associated with PSVT (high heart rate), tenseness, shortness of breath, etc. Classic panic symptoms. I am treated by a cardiologist as well as a psychatrist and am taking Toprol and Xanax as needed.
Finally after 10 years I have come to the conclusion that this panic disorder/heart racing trouble might be totally caused by smoking. I have been trying to stop smoking and everytime I light up my BP goes up, my heart rate accelerates and my muscles become tense and I generally panic.
Have you heard of cigarettes causing panic attacks? Or do they cause panic attacks because they mess with your heart and then you panic? Just wondered if there is a link or if it's just me.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

I think you are defintely on to something important for you. Smoking definetly effects your cardiovascular system in a number of ways so see what you can do to cut down or cut it out.

[silvercomet]

I quit smoking a few years ago at a relatively young age and without health problems. I did have some anxiety and nervousness when I smoked ... but after quitting  - they went away. I was very calm and collected and things that I used to stress over didn't bother me any more. The change was amazing ... I remember driving to work one day after being nicotine free for about a week and realizing how none of the usual stuff was stressing me out ... so yes - I think smoking makes those symptoms worse.

[poy17]

Well I quit smoking. My heart continues to race and I am 300 times more anxious than I was when I smoked. I hate this life.