SVT gets worse while quitting smoking?

[rpookie711022]

Does anyone know  why my svt gets so much worse when I try to quit smoking? I'm not on any meds, im trying to get healthier before i resort to that. It's really annoying,  Its suppossed to be helping  and its probly 2  or 3 times as worse,,,, Do you think my body is just getting used to it???anyone have any suggestions????

[rpookie711022]

I have been smoking for 10 years, its extremly hard for me to quit, something that helps is chantix which im on now, with zantac because it hurts my stomach alot. I do have a script for a beta blocker, but i'm not sure if i can take it with the zantac, anyways if it keeps going like this I will call the doc and ask, thank you very much for your response, i appriciate it.

[dolfnlvr]

In humans, nicotine increases the  heart rate.  This is because nicotine stimulates the release of adrenalin  and noradrenalin, a chemical very similar to adrenalin.  Collectively these  chemicals are termed catecholamines.   The fact that nicotine is working
via this pathway can be demonstrated by drugs that block catecholamine
receptors, for example b-blockers, which you may have heard about.  These
drugs block the effect of nicotine increasing heart rate.  

Nicotine is addicting for three main reasons. First, in small doses, it makes the person feel awake and alert. With later doses, it produces a soothing, pleasurable feeling that makes the person want more. However, it is important to note that although it produces a feeling of well being in habitual users, it releases epinephrine, a hormone which creates physiological stress in the smoker rather than relaxation. Second, people usually become dependent on nicotine to the point that they suffer severe withdrawal symptoms which last for a week or longer Psychological symptoms include irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances, nervousness, headaches, fatigue, nausea, and a long-term craving for tobacco. Physiological symptoms include changes in body temperature, heart rate, muscle tone, and appetite. Finally, because nicotine affects the brain and the central nervous system, it affects the user's mood and temperament.

If you have been smoking for a very long time, your body and subsequently your heart has become used to increased levels of adrenaline which very likely altered your daily heart rate.  In response to the inundation of stimulating compounds, it is likely that your heart cells which moderate heart rate "remotely" increased in number to deal with the high quantities of stimulant.  Now that you are "starving" your body of those chemicals, the "extra" cells are themselves showing signs of withdrawal which results in ectopic beats and/or increased episodes of SVT.  Any natural adrenaline that makes its way to your heart is "overly reacted to" if you will.

As you read in the above description of Nicotine dependence, it may be VERY helpful to you to take a low dose beta blocker for awhile, while your body adjusts to the shift in internal chemistry.  Your brain is sending mixed signals as is your heart.  So many of your homeostatic centers have been affected by prolonged stimulant abuse that they are rebounding---aka you are in withdrawal.  Until your body chemistry levels off again (4-8 weeks) you will struggle with these issues.  The beta blockers can at least help you fend off the SVT.

Talk to your doctor.  Your SVT complicates your quitting.  A nicotine patch could cause things to be worse, and smoking is obviously not a healthy choice.  Your doctor will be able to help you through the worst parts of this challenge.

Good luck!!!