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We hear much talk about e-cigarettes: those who believe they are a safe alternative to conventional smoking and a tool to smoking cessation; and those who voice their concerns about the negative effects of vaping on overall health. The fact is: we don’t know much about e-cigarettes because research has yet to catch up with the fast and rising uptake of these devices. In a recent article published in Vascular Medicine, a team of German researchers undertook the first-of-its kind research to study the risk of vaping on the cardiovascular system. We have invited Dr. Klaas Fransen, corresponding author to tell us more about this ground-breaking research. We would like to hear from you and know your thoughts and questions about this topic. If you wish to reach us, it’s quite easy: email us at oasisdiscussions@cda-adc,ca or call our toll-free number 1-855-716-2747. Until next time! Chiraz Guessaier, CDA Oasis Manager |
Highlights
- The introduction of electronic cigarettes has led to widespread discussion on the cardiovascular risks compared to conventional smoking. The researchers conducted a randomized cross-over study of the acute use of three tobacco products, including a control group using a nicotine-free liquid.
- Fifteen active smokers were studied during and after smoking either a cigarette or an electronic cigarette with or without nicotine (eGo-T CE4 vaporizer). Subjects were blinded to the nicotine content of the electronic cigarette and were followed up for 2 hours after smoking a cigarette or vaping an electronic cigarette. Peripheral and central blood pressures as well as parameters of arterial stiffness were measured by a Mobil-O-Graph® device.
- The peripheral systolic blood pressure rose significantly for approximately 45 minutes after vaping nicotine-containing liquid (p<0.05) and for approximately 15 minutes after smoking a conventional cigarette (p<0.01), whereas nicotine-free liquids did not lead to significant changes during the first hour of follow-up.
- Likewise, heart rate remained elevated approximately 45 minutes after vaping an electronic cigarette with nicotine-containing liquid and over the first 30 minutes after smoking a cigarette in contrast to controls.
- Elevation of pulse wave velocity was independent from mean arterial pressure as well as heart rate in the electronic cigarette and cigarette groups. In this first of its kind trial, we observed changes in peripheral and central blood pressure and also in pulse wave velocity after smoking a cigarette as well as after vaping a nicotine-containing electronic cigarette. These findings may be associated with an increased long-term cardiovascular risk.
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