Heart beats fast when I smoke. Is it due panic attacks?
Patient: Went from no panic attacks for 28 years since I was born to three in the last 2 months. I stopped smoking 9 months ago but have started Hookah Pipe Smoking . It seems to happen when I feel my heart beat when I smoke . Is it a trigger for my panic attack and is it normal to get a higher heart rate 100 to 129 bpm when smoking? Thanks Doctor: Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.  Your symptoms seem to be indicative of panic attacks and smoking can indeed trigger such attacks. It is definitely not normal to have a such a high heart rate when smoking. Please consult a psychiatrist for further evaluation and therapy - both for your panic attacks and for help in quitting smoking. There are effective treatment options - in the form of medication or counselling / psychotherapy which will help you overcome your problems.  Wish you all the best.  - Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar Consultant Psychiatrist