second hand smoke

[barbyann]

I notice that when I am in a smoky environment I have increase in my arrhythmias and frequent forceful palpitations. What is the mechanism for this? I am able to stay away from smokers for the most part, but I love to go to the casino on vacation and I hate the non-smoker room. Do you think I should not go this summer?

[Pam Alexson]

I get the same feeling but don't you just love those casino's Foxwoods and Moheghan Sun. Actually I have only gone a couple times , but just love it . The smoke is tough because we have compromised cardiac respiratory systems and that air is polluted. I say go just take a lot of breathers away from the areas. a Smoke adds to the pulmonary obstruction that we already feel if we have a bit of CHF or a gradient and because our hearts work so hard and are stiff. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor so the blood vessels tighten down even more from the smoke exposure that can be prolonged in those places. When the blood vessels constrict from the toxin it can cause us to feel more irregular heart beats. You may find that your tolerance is less and less with this disease. You will have to experiment a little so you can still have fun. Just be attentive.

Pam

[Sarah]

My smoke tolerance has gotten lower and lower and now even an hour or so is bad. A whole night in a bar and I feel like crap for days.

[shirleymahoney]

I know the feeling my husband and daughter still smoke i do tell them they have to go outside to smoke but even that bothers me if i happen to go on the porch after they have smoked or when my husband happens to come up to me right after he has smoked, i'm getting where i can't stand the smell of them anymore

Shirley

[Eileen2345]

I never go to bars, I have not for years, I don't drink, I don't smoke, I'm boring in bars.

When I was much younger I used to work in bars, it was the one of the only ways for me to make enough money to live. And I made pretty good money in tips.

I can no longer tolerate second hand smoke for a long period of time.

I have a really good friend, but she smokes like a chimney. I would do some more things with her, but every chance she gets, she has a cigarette dangling out of her mouth stuck to her lip.

Barbyann, it is your decision whether or not to go. Maybe you can limit your time in the casino, that may help. Regardless, have fun on your vacation!

- Eve