NEW YORK, Nov 26: New research reveals that vaping has an immediate impact on the function of blood vessels, even when the e-cigarette does not contain nicotine. Although this study, presented at the Radiological Society of North America’s annual meeting in Chicago, has not yet been peer-reviewed, it highlights how both nicotine and non-nicotine e-cigarettes reduce a measure known as venous oxygen saturation. This suggests that vaping may reduce the amount of oxygen the lungs take in.

While further research is needed to confirm these findings and assess their long-term effects, scientists warn that regular vaping could lead to vascular disease over time.

Dr. Marianne Nabbout, lead author of the study and a radiology resident at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, emphasized the misconception that e-cigarettes are safer than traditional tobacco cigarettes. Despite the absence of cancer-causing contaminants found in tobacco smoke, e-cigarette vapors still contain harmful chemicals that affect the body.

E-cigarettes operate by heating liquid into vapor, which users inhale. This vapor, however, can contain more than just water; it may include substances such as lead, nickel, formaldehyde, propylene glycol, and glycerin. Nabbout explained that even e-cigarettes without nicotine can have harmful effects due to these other components.

For the study, Nabbout and her colleagues examined the effects on cigarette smokers, e-cigarette users, and those who vaped nicotine-free products. They enrolled 31 participants aged 21 to 49 and compared them with 10 non-smokers. Each participant underwent MRI scans before and after vaping or smoking. Researchers also placed a cuff on the upper thigh to restrict blood flow and then measured how quickly blood flowed once the cuff was released, as well as the oxygen level in the blood returning to the heart.

The study found that blood flow velocity in the femoral artery decreased significantly after vaping or smoking. E-cigarette users who vaped with nicotine experienced the greatest reduction in vascular function, followed by those who vaped without nicotine. In comparison, the non-smokers and cigarette smokers experienced less significant effects.

Good vascular function is crucial for efficient blood flow, oxygen delivery, and waste removal. Poor vascular function can result in conditions such as blood clots, high blood pressure, and stroke. The study also found that vaping, whether with or without nicotine, led to decreased oxygen saturation, indicating that the lungs might not be taking in as much oxygen.

Nabbout explained that the goal of the research is to assist regulators in making decisions about the future of vaping products in the U.S. E-cigarettes have been on the market without proper regulation for years, but companies now need authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to remain available. While some doctors have previously recommended e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool, studies have shown that they do not effectively help users quit. The FDA has approved only a few vaping products, none of which are officially recognized as harm-reduction devices.

Dr. Albert Rizzo, chief medical officer for the American Lung Association, noted that this new study contributes to the growing body of evidence showing that vaping exposes users to more than just harmless water vapor. He emphasized that while e-cigarettes may contain fewer toxins than traditional cigarettes, their long-term effects are still largely unknown. Rizzo found it notable that both nicotine and non-nicotine vapes had an impact, which suggests that certain ingredients in e-cigarettes cause airway irritation leading to inflammation, similar to the effects of air pollution.

Rizzo further explained that particle pollution has been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and other serious health conditions. If vaping is having a similar effect on vascular health, users may be at higher risk for heart attacks, strokes, and blood flow issues.

The American Lung Association continues to discourage young people from using e-cigarettes, especially given the widespread appeal of flavored products on the market.