Smoking patterns, nicotine intake at different times of day and changes in two cardiovascular variables while smoking cigarettes

Abstract

Various smoking parameters were studied in 24 habitual smokers smoking cigarettes with known content of nicotine at fixed rates of puffing and times of day. Heart rate and skin temperature were recorded simultaneously. Doses of nicotine inhaled were estimated. Nicotine intake was seen to be closely related to puff length and rate. This occured, however, only when smoking in the afternoon. These findings are discussed in relation to differences in self-reported mood and “activation” changes at different times of day. Increases in heart rate were found to be dependent on the drug intake. Consistent decreases in skin temperature were observed during the smoking period, although not related to possible drug effects. The usefulness of this variable as an index of nicotine induced vasoconstriction is discussed.