this is going to sound fairly ridiculous, but here goes... i really want to quit smoking at some point, but the process of losing weight is a little stressful for me, and cigarettes provide me with instant stress relief (i know, i know...). but because of what smoking does for circulation and breathing, i'm worried that i'll instantly keel over from a heart attack while on my stationary bike or while lifting weights. does continuing to smoke while starting an exercise program pose an immediate health hazard?

i just can't imagine tackling these two things at the same time (giving up smoking + eating better and working out), but maybe i'm making excuses... i figure once i get deep into taking care of myself in one sense, i'll go all the way and kick the habit. but is this going to totally kill me (or is it impossible to tell)?