Early effect of the suppression of the smoking habit on the heart rate variability

Abstract

Smoking habit induces alterations on cardiovascular parameters, but its suppression produces immediate effects on these parameters. This work studies the modification of the HRV parameters in habitual smokers during two 24-hour period. Fourteen habitual smokers were monitored in usual conditions (Group 1) and in the next 24 hours without smoking (Group 2). Diurnal and nocturnal periods were studied In general, parameters decrease for Group 2, except in case of parasympathetic influence on heart rate variability, related with HF band, which is higher than Group 1 in both periods. The results obtained during the abstention show an increment of the vagal component in nocturnal period and a decrement in heart rate for both periods. Only time related parameters show significant differences between Group 1 and Group 2 in both nocturnal and diurnal periods. These results demonstrate the immediate recovering of cardiovascular parameters after smoking cessation.