Risks of Resuming Smoking with Heart Issues
Greetings everyone, I'm a 25-year-old male diagnosed with mild mitral valve prolapse. My history includes intermittent smoking for a span of three years. Notably, in the past year, every time I indulged, I often awoke approximately half an hour after falling asleep, gripped by the sensation as though my heart had ceased to beat. Fortunately, I was able to settle back into sleep quite quickly. In April 2024, after smoking, this unsettling experience recurred; however, I refrained from smoking afterward, only to face the same nightly disruptions without additional symptoms. By May 2024, having abstained from smoking for a month, I found myself waking each night a half hour post-sleep with the same distressing feeling. This was accompanied by a significant increase in premature atrial contractions (PACs), exceeding 20,000 occurrences in a day. Thankfully, I no longer experienced the nighttime awakenings. These PACs persisted until December 2024 without any further smoking, aside from two cigarettes in early September, which led to a brief episode of rapid heart rate (180 BPM) lasting several minutes, although no formal diagnosis was made regarding AFib. The PACs eventually resolved on their own. Throughout this period, I was treated with medication, specifically bisoprolol and flecainide. I discontinued these medications in January 2025 and have remained medication-free since. As of December 2024, I feel completely restored, free from smoking, PAC episodes, and nighttime awakenings. My prevailing concern is: if I were to resume smoking—whether through traditional cigarettes or vaping—what is the likelihood that these issues would reemerge? I’m well aware of the anti-smoking arguments and am specifically looking for a professional's insight on the risks involved. Any overall assessment of my condition would also be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
8/10/2025, 8:50:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
Resuming smoking, especially with your history of mild mitral valve prolapse and previous heart-related symptoms, poses significant risks. Given your experiences with heart sensations and PACs, it's essential to understand how smoking could impact your health further.
Key Points:
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Risks of Smoking: Smoking can lead to various cardiovascular issues, including increased heart rate, arrhythmias (like PACs), and other complications. It can also exacerbate existing heart conditions, such as mitral valve prolapse.
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Association with Symptoms: Your previous experiences—like waking up with a sensation of your heart stopping, PACs, and a rapid heart rate—could likely reoccur or worsen with smoking. Nicotine and other harmful substances in cigarettes and vaping devices can stimulate your heart and affect the electrical system, which may trigger the same or new symptoms.
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Positive Changes: Since you have been free of smoking and medications since January 2025, your heart has likely had time to recover. Resuming smoking could jeopardize this improvement and could lead to a return of symptoms.
Actionable Guidance:
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Stay Awakened to Risks: Given your past experiences, the most critical step is to refrain from smoking altogether. The risks associated with even occasional smoking can have immediate and long-term effects on your heart health.
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Monitor Your Body: If you ever feel tempted to smoke, remind yourself of the feelings and experiences you had—and how well you currently feel without smoking. Consider keeping a journal to reflect on your health and emotions.
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Engage in Supportive Activities: Focus on heart-healthy practices, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga, which support overall heart health.
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Educational Resources: Stay informed about the dangers of smoking through credible resources. Organizations like the CDC provide information on the health impacts of tobacco and guidance for quitting.
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Evaluate Your Triggers: Understand your motivations for smoking and develop strategies to cope with cravings or social situations where smoking might feel tempting.
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Communicate with Support: If you've considered smoking to cope with stress or other emotions, reach out to trusted friends, family, or support groups who can help you maintain your healthy choices.
In summary, considering your health history and the potential risks, it is advisable to avoid resuming smoking in any form. Taking this step can help maintain your current health and prevent the recurrence of troubling symptoms.
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