Blood Pressure - Smoking Cessation Message Board

Queen B · 02-19-2004, 07:46 AM

I am in my 3rd week smoke free and I have always had low blood pressure (90/60). Yesterday I went to the doctor and my blood pressure was up (140/75). I always thought that smoking caused high blood pressure but in my case it is the reverse. The doctor says my body is dealing with stress on it's own now without smoking....it will level out...has this happened to anyone else??? I had never heard of it and just wondered cause high blood pressure runs in my family...one good thing is I seem to have more energy though. Thanks for listening. Queen B.

smartgal · 02-19-2004, 10:43 AM

Well, I'm not a doctor, but my understanding of blood pressure is that the lower number is the most important. It should be below 80 and yours still is. The higher number is more reactive to outside influences. My blood pressure has dropped from about 130/80 to 115/70 since I quit, happy, happy! Take time out to destress yourself, maybe even use some of those subliminal stress tapes that some of the other ladies have discussed here. Give it a few weeks, then check it again, maybe somewhere besides the doctor's office. Some people's blood pressure goes up just because they are going to the doctor (white-coat hypertension)!

LL29 · 02-22-2004, 12:22 PM

You know that's funny you bring that up because I've had a change in blood pressure as well since I quit. It normally was low (if you smoke before you go in it'll be lower) or normal and now it has been up a bit. I worry a little because my mother has high blood pressure but she drinks like a fish as well so...........go figure. LOL

I think it'll level out and then you'll finally find out your true pressure. I agree - would think it would be a little higher due to doctor's office. I know my cholesterol went WAY down which is awesome - I was a huge heart disease victim waitin to happen if I would've kept smoking.

Bottom line (don't you guys get so sick of me saying that? I am LOL but I can't stop LOL): stopping smoking is the best thing you can do for your health..........period - NOTHING should make us go back to that.

Laurie

93 days smoke free CT and counting