BACKGROUND: Tobacco use is a major cause of cardiovascular and respiratory disease and cancer. It is controversial whether smoking helps relieve stress. This study investigated the acute effect of smoking a single cigarette on vascular status, SpO2, and stress level.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: 38 non-smokers and 29 smokers were selected as subjects to measure BVOP (Blood Vessel Output Power), BVT (Blood Vessel Tension), RBV (Remained Blood Volume), BVAL (Blood Vessel Aging Level), SpO2, resistance to stress, and stress score. Pre- and post-experiment changes were recorded during a 20-min interval, with smokers being recorded 5 min after smoking for the post-experiment.

RESULTS: The smoker group showed a significant decrease in vascular status (BVOP, RBV, BVAL) compared with the non-smoker group. SpO2 showed no difference between the smoker group and the non-smoker group. Smoking showed no effect on stress reduction compared to non-smoking.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study indicate that smoking causes a negative effect on vascular status and is not beneficial to stress reduction. Therefore, quitting smoking is encouraged for better physical and mental health.

Keywords: Smoking - adverse effects, Blood Vessels - physiopathology, Oxygen - metabolism, Smoking - psychology, Stress, Psychological - physiopathology