The adverse effect of Carbon Monoxide on Oxygen carrying capacity and of Nicotine on the cardiovascular system are short lived. The elimination half-life of Carbon Monoxide (CM) is 4-6 hours breathing room air. Within 12 hours after cessation of smoking Pao2 at which Hb is 50, saturated with oxygen P50 increases from 22.9 to 26.4 mm Hg, and the carboxyhemoglobin level of plasma decrease from 6.5 to 1. Carbon Monoxide may have negative inotropic effects.
Despite the favourable effects on plasma carboxyhemoglobin concentrations, short-term abstinence from a cigarette has not proven to reduce postoperative pulmonary complications. The sympathomimetic effects of Nicotine on HR are transient, lasting 20-30 minutes. Cigarette smoking causes mucus hypersecretion, impairment of mucociliary transport, and narrowing of small airways . In contrast to short-term abstinence from smoking on…
