The idea that cigars may benefit health, specifically by lowering blood pressure, is a dangerous misconception. Cigar use does not decrease blood pressure; instead, it causes an immediate and measurable increase. This acute elevation is part of a complex chain of physiological reactions initiated by the chemicals in the smoke. Understanding the direct scientific impact of cigar use on the cardiovascular system reveals why this tobacco product poses a significant health risk.
The Immediate Physiological Response
The acute spike in blood pressure observed immediately after smoking a cigar is primarily driven by nicotine. Nicotine acts as a potent stimulant, rapidly entering the bloodstream and traveling to the brain and other body systems. This chemical directly activates the sympathetic nervous system, the body’s “fight-or-flight” response mechanism.
Activation of the sympathetic nervous system triggers the adrenal glands to release catecholamines, specifically adrenaline and norepinephrine. These hormones flood the body, causing the heart to beat faster (tachycardia). Simultaneously, they cause the constriction, or narrowing, of blood vessels throughout the body (vasoconstriction).
The combination of an increased heart rate and constricted arteries forces the heart to pump blood against higher resistance. This mechanical action leads to an immediate and transient rise in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Studies show this acute hypertensive effect can increase blood pressure by 5 to 10 mmHg and last for up to an hour after a single cigar.
Long-Term Cardiovascular Impact
Beyond the temporary elevation, repeated cigar use contributes to structural and functional damage to the cardiovascular system. Sustained exposure to the toxins in cigar smoke impairs the function of the endothelium, the delicate layer of cells lining the blood vessels. This damage compromises the vessels’ ability to expand and contract properly, which is necessary for healthy blood flow regulation.
Over time, this chronic injury leads to arterial stiffness, making the blood vessels less elastic and rigid. Reduced arterial compliance is a significant factor in the development of sustained hypertension. The heart must work harder to push blood through unyielding arteries, which also accelerates atherosclerosis, the build-up of fatty plaques inside the vessel walls.
The cumulative effect of endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffness, and plaque buildup increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events. Chronic cigar smokers face a higher likelihood of developing coronary heart disease, stroke, and myocardial infarction (heart attack). This structural damage is a clear consequence of chronic, toxic exposure, moving beyond the temporary pressure spike to a permanent health threat.
Debunking the Myth of Lower Risk
A common factor fueling the myth of lower risk is the perception that cigar smoke is not inhaled, unlike cigarette smoke. While many cigar users do not draw the smoke deep into their lungs, this behavior does not prevent the absorption of significant amounts of nicotine. This is due to the chemical composition of the smoke itself.
The tobacco used in most cigars results in smoke that is highly alkaline (high in pH). This alkalinity is crucial because it changes the state of the nicotine molecule. In a high-pH environment, a greater percentage of nicotine is in its “free-base” form, which is un-ionized and easily absorbed.
This free-base nicotine is readily absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth and nasal passages, a process known as buccal absorption. Merely holding the smoke in the mouth is enough for the nicotine to enter the bloodstream and exert its systemic effects, including stimulating the sympathetic nervous system and raising blood pressure. Despite the difference in inhalation patterns, cigar use delivers a substantial dose of nicotine. The resulting plasma nicotine levels can be comparable to those found in cigarette smokers, negating the perceived safety benefit of not inhaling.