Blood Pressure?

[throatkick]

Not to detract from the purpose of this thread, wait 'til you get your taste buds back. It's about as dramatic as a color blind person seeing color again...

Another thing with BP that I can share is that it was always terrible when I hadn't slept properly. So if you are up this late regularly and go to the Dr. at 9am, it may be playing a role. Rest is exceptionally important.

On a side note, how long did it take you to be able to taste again?

 

[Scotch827]

I have been off analogs since 11/27/2010. I think my body is in shock with out the cigarettes. I spent a day and half in the hospital with chest pains ( they eliminated heart problems ) and feel it is muscular or indigestion. My blood pressure was always good. I think they checked it every 4 hours. My oxygen level was 98 to 99 according to the finger tab thing. However I get the shakes on occassion. I also get headaches and am getting the quit zits. I get lite headed once and awhile. I was a 2 PAD smoker. I now vape 6mgs most of the day. I do use 18 mgs several times a day. I am not going to smoke another analog, however I hope i get over the withdrawls soon. BTW I have no cravings for an analog at all.

Scott

 

[Bozzlite]

PapaBloog

I have been on BP meds for nearly 4 years. While visiting the opticians office, for some reason they checked my BP and it was whooo.....sky high. Over 200 systolic. Well, they all panicked and insisted, nay, demanded that I go to the ER immediately.

After 3 hours or so, the ER released me and I was referred to a Scott & White physician since I didn't have a regular doc.

He prescribed two meds and my BP went to around 145 in the mornings and 135 or so in the afternoon. I had my last cigarette over 5 months ago, but that didn't seem to change anything. Still running around 145 and 135.

So, I can't say for sure if switching to vaping will improve your BP readings.

I do know that the "White coat syndrome" is not a myth. Two weeks ago I went in for the annual check up. I measured my BP before leaving home at 148/85. I wanted to check my monitor against the doc's so I took it with me. While he was present, I used my monitor and it went up to 183/104.

Since I had given him a print out of my daily readings from home for the previous 30 days, He said, "Well, you've just got White Coat Syndrome. For some reason I'm freakin you out." I think it kinda hurt his feelings, LOL.

Anyway, when I left his office I checked my BP in the car and it was down to 146/84. Normal for me.

 

[PapaBloog]

Another thing with BP that I can share is that it was always terrible when I hadn't slept properly. So if you are up this late regularly and go to the Dr. at 9am, it may be playing a role. Rest is exceptionally important.

On a side note, how long did it take you to be able to taste again?

TH - I think you're right - my sleeping habits haven't been the best (of late) -- lots of stress at work these days translates into less sleep at night. I've been doing 5-6 hours - I resolve to get more sleep this year!

And, YMMV, I was concurrent e-analog for five weeks prior to quit date - I noticed flavor again about 3 weeks after quit date. I LOVE tortilla chicken soup now!

 

[PapaBloog]

I have been off analogs since 11/27/2010. I think my body is in shock with out the cigarettes. ...

Isn't that the truth? I really do believe there is a 'detox period' while coming off the analogs as I have experienced similar which is why I related my elevated BP to the transition. I don't think (now) the my elevated BP is a direct result of or caused by vaping - I do feel substantial things happening inside however - tightness, light tension, mild headaches.

With that said however, I have NO desire for an analog - the e-cig has completely replaced by tobacco habit and is as satisfying if not more so than the 'analog experience'.

Scott - looking at your 'analog free' tag -- looks like you and I quit at the same time with very similar physical results. I'm wondering if anyone else is noticing the same? If so, how long was it before your detox symptoms abated?

 

[kristin]

We (CASAA) have an advanced copy of the full article, but we cannot post it due to copyright laws. The only way for the public to get a copy is to buy the download: Access : Electronic cigarettes as a harm reduction strategy for tobacco control: A step forward or a repeat of past mistakes|[quest]| : Journal of Public Health Policy

One of the authors of the article writes about it more on his blog here: The Rest of the Story: Tobacco News Analysis and Commentary: New Article on Electronic Cigarettes Finds that Anti-Smoking Groups and Tobacco Companies are Curious Bedfellows

This is great info! Now, does anyone know of the link to the Boston University report that's supposed to be released online prior to print? I've only been able to find links that mention some of the higher points pre-release release!

 

[PapaBloog]

One of the authors of the article writes about it more on his blog here: The Rest of the Story: Tobacco News Analysis and Commentary: New Article on Electronic Cigarettes Finds that Anti-Smoking Groups and Tobacco Companies are Curious Bedfellows

Thanks Kristin - terrific information: On following the link trail I stumbled across a beautiful assessment of our public health system as follows:

Richard Hansen writes:

The absolute hubris and appalling insolence from Public Health individuals and organizations who brazenly assume it is somehow within their purview to "normalize or de-normalize" anything much less anyone only serves to further illumintate a much deeper pathology, one which is extreme and unyielding in nature, ruthless in application and dependent upon power and deception. To underestimate the enormous destructive nature of this collective pathology will be one of society's deepest regrets. The continued forfeiture of personal liberty and the individual right to make personal health and lifestyle choices will only continue to diminish humanity as a whole. Public Health is or has become a "blight" on humanity - this is not an expansive, positive and progressive framework for the betterment of human life but rather a fanatical ideology which is constrictive, punitive and irrational; a framework which promotes bigotry, hatred, elitism, classism, deception, manipulation and outright vigilantism. 'Public Health' is anti-choice, anti-tolerance, anti-humane, anti-empathic and the absolute antithesis of truth, honor, civility, compassion, love and "Human Health."

So well put --

 

[throatkick]

Good to know this has come out.

 

[PapaBloog]

Went to the doc today - forced my way in (wifer's orders) because the BP tester at the pharmacy was reporting something along the lines of "dead man walking"...

First off, the FDA lies to us about how bad e-cigs are - and now - the pharmacy BP tester? MUST be a conspiracy.

I have a 116/78 - I'm not sure if anyone can relate - but, during the last physical my BP was borderline hypertension. Now? It is better than it ever has been in years. Taken in the presence of a doctor and with all the possible white coat syndrome effects in play, I passed with flying colors. I'm going back every week, same day, same time for the next four weeks (doctor's orders, enforced by wifer) and will report any substantial changes.

Seriously folks, this e-cig tech is simply the greatest thing since sliced bread!

 

[Vapenstein]

Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor. It is going to raise your BP when you consume nicotine. A "normal" body does a good job of regulating BP even with nic in the picture, but if you're borderline the best thing to do is monitor it and get on the right BP meds. Trust me, I'm a Dr. and I have also enjoyed a normal BP for the last 6 years with the help of a little Micardis.

 

[GregH]

I have a 116/78 - I'm not sure if anyone can relate - but, during the last physical my BP was borderline hypertension. Now? It is better than it ever has been in years. Taken in the presence of a doctor and with all the possible white coat syndrome effects in play, I passed with flying colors.

That's fantastic!

 

[PapaBloog]

Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor. It is going to raise your BP when you consume nicotine. A "normal" body does a good job of regulating BP even with nic in the picture, but if you're borderline the best thing to do is monitor it and get on the right BP meds. Trust me, I'm a Dr. and I have also enjoyed a normal BP for the last 6 years with the help of a little Micardis.

Dr. Vapenstein - exactly my concern. I was aware that nicotine in and of itself has not been proven to have 'lasting physilogical effects' according the Chief of Staff, UCLA Med Center, but it is still a stimulant that has been proven to have temporary effects, specifically in the constriction of blood vessels.

I, and the wife (who is nearly a full-time vaper, still cautious and looking for signs that would instill "reaonable doubt" that vaping is bad is for you) - was very surprised to find the contrary. She always uses the pharmacy BP tester being on meds herself - and I was happy to have her there by my side to witness first hand the negligable, if any, adverse effects of vaping. Doc even told her straight up that the BP tester at the pharmacy has a +/-15% reliability factor. ;-)

 

[PapaBloog]

Hey all - quick update: Just went to the doc's office for a follow up bp check - and failed. I'm now on meds :-( 138/102 - this after a pretty rough day at the office. Still not linking this to the 'dreaded' e-cig however - think it was just my time...