My blood pressure actually got lower when I quit smoking but I was smoking 3 pp/d. Although, I was always on the low side, actually. I used to joke that my body ran on chemicals (most specifically
tobacco, coffee and diet pepsi) and just managed the effects nicely. Although there is no way my blood pressure should be where it's at (mostly thanks to certain meds I take) when I was younger I'd actually drink a glass full of a teaspoon of salt so I could feel, you know, present and visible. I don't question this gift, just enjoy it. My mom has HBP so I know that can be no picnic at times.
Anna