Smoking BP and heart rate?

[blondemiss]

OK. I've been having some issues with a high resting heart rate.. and sinus tach. I made an decsion today to get up and wait for a long while before I smoke. so far today, I have had only 3 cigs. Its now 1 pm. I normally smoke about 15-18 per day. I notice that since I have made this change my heart rate at rest and even after getiing up and beign active is down to 84  very normal range. My BP has been like 104/66 rather low. Then after I have a cig.. my heart rate goes up to like 98 or even as high as 100.. and bp rises a little bit. Has anyone else noticed this. My plan is to quit entirely here.. as I want to live. I'm wondering now if all of my issues could be related to the smoking? Becuase all my other million and one cardio tests have come back normal.

[Jade59]

Hi,

I'm so glad you're deciding to quit!  As you have found out, cutting back doesn't work.  When I quit in 07, I initially used the lozenge, but couldn't tolerate the side effects so went c/t after 5days.  It was really the best way to do it because otherwise, there will come the day when you have to stop the aid, then withdraw from the nicotine that's in THAT.

Much easier to get it all over with.  

Unfortunately, I was not a successful quiter.  I just wanted to add that so as not to sound deceiving.  I do plan on quitting again here soon and c/t would be the only way I would do it.  

Oh, also, just saw my doc yesterday and she gave me an rx for Clonodine.  This is a blood pressure med that helps with a myriad of things, but my focus is on the fact it helps with the withdrawals of smoking.  This med may not be good for you though because of your blood pressure.  Mine is low too, like yours.  My doc said it might make me feel dizzy, but it didn't so maybe this med would be of help to you.  Just a thought.

Best of luck!  We are here for you if you need us : )

[kathyjo]

Plenty do it cold turkey and that website I mentioned in the previous post is especially supportive using that method.
I used Chantix and was successful while some choose the patch. I think the least liked method is the gum......most everyone gets addicted to it so it's trading addictions. Do your research and try to figure out which one is right for you. Definitely read some articles at whyquit and get ready. We will be here for you.

[blondemiss]

You right about cutting back.. does not work. I need to go cold turkey here. Has anyone on here done that? Or if anyone has used smking cessation aids. what worked best?

[kathyjo]

I don't know that there are any doctors on this board, it is a smoking addiction board, but I don't need a medical license to tell you this, of course it does!
Smoking affects every part of your body. Do a google search....put in "smoking effects" and see what you come up with. I guarantee it will make you quit today. Smoking causes heart disease so it would make sense that when you smoke, your blood pressure rises.

I'm happy you decided to quit and we will be here for you when you need support. You might want to prepare yourself by reading the articles on whyquitdot(.)com. I think there is an answer for any question you may have.
Cutting back insn't the answer and will only keep you going back for more. You really need to quit for good, forever to benefit.

Good luck to you!