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Is blood viscosity reversible by simply cutting down nicotine?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

It has been seven days since I have smoked a cigarette (quit cold turkey). How long will it take after quitting smoking, for the blood to be free from nicotine? Is blood viscosity reversible by simply cutting down nicotine?

Answered by Dr. Prakash. H. M.

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Prakash H. M. is an experienced Pathologist with expertise in clinical pathology, hematology, histopathology, and cytology. He plays a crucial role in accurate disease diagnosis through laboratory testing and microscopic analysis. With a strong foundation in medical diagnostics, Dr. Prakash ensures reliable and timely reports that support effective treatment decisions. His precision and commitment to quality make him a trusted expert in the field of pathology.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Looking at the query, my opinion is as follows:

The effect of nicotine is dependent upon the amount and years of cigarettes smoked and can vary from two days to two months. On an average, usually within a month of withdrawal of nicotine, the blood viscosity starts reducing.

Yes, it is reversible as nicotine affects the platelets, red blood cells, the endothelium, and the clotting factors to increase blood viscosity. Once withdrawn, red blood cells will take a longer time, while the other usually recover as early as a month.

During withdrawal, due to a reduction in blood viscosity, you might have dizziness periods as the blood pressure will also reduce. Give at least three more weeks to notice the improvement in blood viscosity.

Nicotine patches have a low dosage of nicotine. You can use it to avoid cigarette in the initial periods, if necessary.

Consult a hematologist online for further follow up.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At September 28, 2014
Reviewed At May 7, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Prakash H. M. is an experienced Pathologist with expertise in clinical pathology, hematology, histopathology, and cytology. He plays a crucial role in accurate disease diagnosis through laboratory testing and microscopic analysis. With a strong foundation in medical diagnostics, Dr. Prakash ensures reliable and timely reports that support effective treatment decisions. His precision and commitment to quality make him a trusted expert in the field of pathology.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Prakash H. M. is an experienced Pathologist with expertise in clinical pathology, hematology, histopathology, and cytology. He plays a crucial role in accurate disease diagnosis through laboratory testing and microscopic analysis. With a strong foundation in medical diagnostics, Dr. Prakash ensures reliable and timely reports that support effective treatment decisions. His precision and commitment to quality make him a trusted expert in the field of pathology.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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