Smoking a cigarette instantly raises your blood pressure, but it’s unclear whether smoking increases your risk of hypertension. Still, quitting smoking can improve your overall cardiovascular health.
Many people are aware of the numerous health risks of smoking, both immediate and long-term.
For example, smoking a cigarette causes an instant rise in blood pressure and pulse. It takes about
It’s unclear whether cigarette smoking also leads to an increased risk of hypertension. That’s when your blood pressure is consistently high. However, repeated temporary spikes in your blood pressure may still cause damage.
While we don’t fully understand the risk of hypertension from smoking, we do know that quitting smoking can improve your overall health and reduce your risk of other cardiovascular problems.
Smoking causes a temporary rise in blood pressure. Every time you smoke, you immediately raise your blood pressure by activating your sympathetic nervous system (SNS).
Your SNS controls your body’s response to danger or stress. When your SNS is activated, hormonal signals cause extra blood flow to your muscles. This causes you to feel more tense and alert. As a result, your pulse and blood pressure will rise.
Smoking triggers your SNS and causes this same rise in heart rate and blood pressure. Over time, this can damage the walls of your arteries and put you at higher risk of many serious heart conditions.
Smoking can also increase the risk of the buildup of fatty substances known as plaque inside your arteries. This condition is called atherosclerosis. It can lead to heart attack and stroke if left untreated. Hypertension can increase the rate of plaque buildup inside your arteries.
Smoking vs. vaping and high blood pressure
Vaping, or the use of electronic cigarettes, has risen in popularity in the past several years. Many vape manufacturers claim that vaping is a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes. But studies about the effects of vaping are still inconclusive.
Both cigarettes and e-cigarettes contain nicotine, the chemical responsible for blood pressure spikes. A 2020 study found that e-cigarettes cause short-term spikes in blood pressure similar to regular cigarettes.
A 2024 review also notes a link between vaping and the risk of hypertension. However, researchers acknowledge that vaping may improve blood pressure in people who already smoke, as in a 2023 review.
Researchers don’t fully understand the link between smoking and hypertension. Smoking increases the risk of many cardiovascular conditions.
But the results of studies looking at the link between smoking and hypertension have been conflicting.
Some research has found that current smokers may have a lower risk of hypertension than people who don’t smoke. Scientists aren’t quite sure why this is, but it might be due to the long-term effects of smoking on your SNS and how it regulates blood pressure.
While research on this topic is ongoing, we do know that smoking is linked to an increased risk of many other health conditions, including cardiovascular conditions.
So, although we don’t fully understand the risk of hypertension for smokers, the health risks of smoking are clear.
If you smoke and have high blood pressure, experts recommend you quit smoking.
Smoking can worsen hypertension. Keep in mind that smoking causes your blood pressure to rise temporarily every time you smoke.
According to researchers, people who smoke have a harder time managing their blood pressure, even while taking blood pressure medication. In fact, smoking can counter the effect of blood pressure medications like beta-blockers.
A 2024 study found that quitting smoking effectively lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with hypertension.
Hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Quitting or reducing smoking has several benefits, including
Help to quit smoking
Quitting smoking is a great way to make a commitment to yourself. It’s also a serious challenge, so it’s important to have support. If you’re ready to quit:
- Call SAMHSA’s hotline at 800-662-HELP (4357): The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) hotline connects people to supportive services. Call anytime or use their online locator for free referrals to support organizations, treatment programs, and other services in your community that can help you quit.
- Visit Smokefree.gov: This federal website can help you build a plan to quit smoking from start to finish. You’ll find a wealth of tips, resources, guides, and online support services in English or Spanish. Smokefree.gov also offers specialized services for veterans, teens, women, and adults over age 60.
- Download the quitSTART app: A service from Smokefree.gov, this free app allows you to track your progress, manage your cravings, and participate in games and challenges.
- Text “QUITNOW” to 333-888: The
National Texting Portal is a service of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Cancer Institute (NCI). It offers support, advice, and tips for quitting. The service is free, but your carrier’s standard text message rates may apply.
Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to lower your risk of various cardiovascular conditions. Other steps you can take to lower your blood pressure include:
- maintaining a moderate weight
- getting regular exercise
- limiting the amount of alcohol you drink
- eating a nutritious, balanced diet that is low in salt
- taking any blood pressure medications as prescribed by a doctor
- taking steps to manage and limit stress
Does secondhand smoke increase your blood pressure?
Yes. Exposure to secondhand smoke in the home or workplace causes a rise in blood pressure.
A
How much does smoking raise your blood pressure, and for how long?
According to a
Why is my blood pressure high after quitting smoking?
Some studies have found higher blood pressure readings in former smokers. This might be due to temporary weight gain and other body adjustments after quitting smoking.
Many people who quit smoking also experience anxiety symptoms during nicotine withdrawal, which can easily cause elevated blood pressure during that period.
However, the overall health benefits of quitting smoking are far greater than temporary increases in weight or blood pressure. You can talk with a medical professional about any health concerns you have after quitting smoking.
Can you smoke cigarettes while taking blood pressure medication?
Talk with your doctor about smoking and taking blood pressure medication. Smoking can weaken the effects of certain blood pressure medications.
You might need a higher dose or a different medication. Your doctor might also talk with you about starting a program that can help you quit smoking.
Do smoking cessation drugs cause high blood pressure?
While there has been concern about whether smoking cessation medications may cause hypertension, a 2018 study found that they did not significantly increase blood pressure or cause cardiovascular complications.
A 2020 study also noted that varenicline (Chantix) specifically was helpful for people with hypertension who wanted to quit smoking.
Smoking causes a temporary rise in blood pressure for 15 to 20 minutes. However, it’s unclear whether smoking also increases your risk of hypertension. But smoking does increase the risk of many other health conditions, including heart conditions.
If you already have hypertension, quitting smoking can help you manage your blood pressure better. You may see an increase in blood pressure in the short term due to some of the side effects of quitting smoking. But the long-term benefits of quitting are clear.