According to a new study presented to the European Respiratory Society International Congress, electronic cigarettes are linked to an increase in arterial stiffness, blood pressure and heart rate.
CARDIAC AND ARTERIAL PROBLEMS FOLLOWING THE CONSUMPTION OF NICOTINE E-LIQUIDS
New research shows for the first time that electronic cigarettes containing nicotine cause stiffening of the arteries in humans. According to the researchers, this is clearly a problem because arterial stiffness is associated with an increased risk of heart attacks.
Presenting the research to theEuropean Respiratory Society International Congress, le Dr. Magnus Lundbäck said: " The number of electronic cigarette users has increased dramatically in recent years. Electronic cigarettes are considered by the general public to be almost harmless. The e-cigarette industry markets its product as a harm reduction tool and to help people quit smoking. However, the safety of electronic cigarettes is debated and a wealth of evidence suggests several negative health effects. »
« The results are preliminary, but in this study we found a significant increase in heart rate and blood pressure in volunteers who were exposed to e-cigarettes containing nicotine. Arterial stiffness increased about three times in those who were exposed to aerosols containing nicotine compared to those who did not. "
METHODOLOGY OF DR LUNDBÄCK'S STUDY
Dr Lundbäck (MD, Ph.D.), research leader at Danderyd University Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden, and his colleagues recruited 15 healthy young volunteers to participate in the study in 2016 The volunteers were rarely smokers (smoking a maximum of ten cigarettes per month), and they had not used e-cigarettes before the study. The average age was 26 years old and 59% were women, 41% were men. They have been mixed for the use of e-cigarettes. One day, there was a use of electronic cigarette with nicotine for 30 minutes and another day a use without nicotine. The researchers measured blood pressure, heart rate, and arterial stiffness immediately after use, then two hours and four hours later.
During the first 30 minutes after vaping an e-liquid containing nicotine, a significant increase in blood pressure, heart rate and arterial stiffness was seen; no effect was observed on heart rate and arterial stiffness in volunteers who had used nicotine-free products.
CONCLUSION OF THE STUDY
« The immediate increase in arterial stiffness we saw is likely attributed to nicotine“Said Dr Lundbäck. " The increase was temporary, but the same temporary effects on arterial stiffness have also been shown following the use of conventional cigarettes. Chronic exposure to both active and passive smoking causes a permanent increase in arterial stiffness. Therefore, we speculate that chronic exposure to aerosol from e-cigarettes containing nicotine may cause permanent effects on long-term arterial stiffness. To date, there are no studies on the long-term effects of arterial stiffness following chronic exposure to e-cigarettes.."
« It is very important that the results of these studies reach the general public and health professionals working in preventive health care, for example in smoking cessation. Our results underline the need to maintain a critical and cautious attitude towards electronic cigarettes. Users of electronic cigarettes should be aware of the potential dangers of this product, so that they can decide to continue or discontinue their uses based on scientific facts. "
He goes on to explain The vape industry's marketing campaigns target smokers and offer a product to quit smoking. However, several studies question this as a means of stopping smoking while specifying that there is a high risk of dual use. In addition, the vaping industry also targets non-smokers, with designs and flavors that appeal to the population, even very young. The vaping industry is growing on a global scale. Some calculations suggest that, in the United States alone, the electronic cigarette market will overtake the tobacco market in the coming years. »
« Therefore, our research concerns a very large part of the population and our results could prevent future health problems. It is extremely important to continue to analyze the possible long term effects of the daily use of electronic cigarettes through studies which are independently funded from the vape industry."
