Nicotine replacement therapy can help, but on its own it is not usually sufficient. If all you use is NRT, chances are you will relapse. To give up for good, you need to make lifestyle/behavioural modifications. It is easy to rip that patch off when you have had a few too many beers to have "just one ciggie". Avoiding those circumstances or being aware of them in advance is probably more important than using a patch or gum.
I am not surprised that your BP improved. I remember a few people recently arguing that smoking cessation does not have much effect on BP. To them, I say again, BOLLOCKS!!!!
Keep up the good work Jimmy.
But remember, NRT alone is usually not sufficient