The effect of stopping smoking on blood pressure--a controlled trial

Epidemiological studies have found evidence of lower blood pressure in smokers and predict an increase in blood pressure after stopping smoking. We have therefore monitored blood pressure change in 33 smokers following entry into a 6-week smoking cessation programme and compared the results to 33 matched controls who continued their normal smoking habits over the same period. Fourteen subjects were successful in quitting smoking for the entire 6 weeks, 13 were unsuccessful and 6 withdrew before completion of the programme. No significant increase in supine or erect systolic or diastolic blood pressure was observed following reduction in or cessation of smoking habit. Complete cessation of smoking was, however, associated with an increase in weight and anxiety levels and a decrease in alcohol consumption. We conclude that although stopping smoking affects several factors which may potentially influence blood pressure, this does not result in any significant change in blood pressure over a 6-week period. Concern that advice to patients to cease smoking may lead to a prompt increase in blood pressure appears unnecessary.