Abstract

This study aims to observe the effect of a cigarette smoking on smokers' stress. The subjects were male smokers in age from twenties to fifties. Their levels of stress were examined by an autonomic nervous balance analyzer (SA-3000P). This instrument analyzes heart rate variability by time and frequency domain analyses, and reports activity and balance of autonomic system. In the experiment, stress levels of volunteers were examined before and after smoking a cigarette. Analysis of stress indices showed a decrease in SDNN parameter (standard deviation of N-N interval) and an increase in PSI (physical stress index) with significant difference in time domain analysis. The LF/HF (low frequency/high frequency) ratio increased significantly in frequency domain analysis. In addition, direct diagnostic reading report showed that smoking of even a cigarette decreased autonomic activity and heart stability, and increased autonomic nerve balance and mean heart rate. These results were significantly different (p＜0.05). In conclusion, this study supported that smoking of even a cigarette increased the stress of male volunteers. (Korean J Str Res 2007;15:171∼176)

• Keywords: Stress, Smoking, Cigarette, Heart rate variability, Autonomic balance report