Does vaping cause high blood pressure
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The Impact of Vaping on Blood Pressure: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction to Vaping and Blood Pressure
Vaping, the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) to inhale nicotine and other substances, has become increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional smoking. However, the cardiovascular effects of vaping, particularly its impact on blood pressure, have raised significant concerns. This article synthesizes findings from multiple studies to provide a clear understanding of how vaping influences blood pressure.
Acute Effects of Vaping on Blood Pressure
Immediate Blood Pressure Increase
Several studies have demonstrated that vaping can cause an immediate increase in blood pressure. In a randomized, cross-over study involving hypertensive patients, vaping e-cigarettes containing nicotine led to a significant rise in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as heart rate, lasting approximately 30 minutes1 2. This acute effect is comparable to the impact of traditional cigarette smoking, indicating that the mode of nicotine delivery does not mitigate the cardiovascular response.
Comparison with Traditional Cigarettes
Research comparing the effects of traditional cigarettes, heat-not-burn cigarettes, and e-cigarettes found that all forms of nicotine consumption led to adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including increased blood pressure. However, traditional cigarettes had the most pronounced effect, followed by e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn products4. This suggests that while e-cigarettes may be slightly less harmful than traditional cigarettes, they still pose significant cardiovascular risks.
Long-Term Cardiovascular Risks
Persistent Blood Pressure Elevation
Long-term use of e-cigarettes has been associated with sustained increases in blood pressure. A systematic review of multiple studies found that both nicotine-containing and some non-nicotine e-cigarettes could cause short-term elevations in systolic and diastolic blood pressure5. This persistent elevation could contribute to long-term cardiovascular risks, similar to those observed with traditional smoking.
Frequency of Nicotine Consumption
The frequency of nicotine consumption plays a crucial role in the cardiovascular impact of vaping. A study monitoring daily blood pressure and heart rate variations found that vapers consumed nicotine more frequently than smokers, leading to more sustained increases in blood pressure and heart rate throughout the day3. This continuous exposure to nicotine could exacerbate the cardiovascular risks associated with vaping.
Mechanisms Behind Blood Pressure Changes
Nicotine and Cardiovascular Response
Nicotine is a well-known stimulant that can increase heart rate and blood pressure by stimulating the release of adrenaline. Studies have shown that the cardiovascular response to nicotine is similar whether it is delivered through traditional cigarettes or e-cigarettes6 7. This response includes increased arterial pressure and peripheral sympathetic activity, which can lead to long-term cardiovascular damage.
Oxidative Stress and Vascular Function
Vaping has also been linked to increased oxidative stress and impaired vascular function. Research indicates that e-cigarettes can cause oxidative stress and reduce antioxidant reserves, leading to endothelial dysfunction and increased arterial stiffness4 9. These changes can contribute to the development of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases over time.
Conclusion
The evidence clearly indicates that vaping can cause significant increases in blood pressure, both acutely and over the long term. While e-cigarettes may be marketed as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, they still pose substantial cardiovascular risks. The frequency of nicotine consumption and the associated oxidative stress and vascular dysfunction further exacerbate these risks. Therefore, individuals considering vaping as a safer option should be aware of its potential impact on blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
A5918 Electronic cigarette acutely increases blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Evaluation by non -invasive continuous (beat-to-beat) blood pressure monitoring
Electronic cigarette smoking significantly and long-lastingly increases blood pressure and heart rate in hypertensive patients, potentially causing significant and clinically relevant health risks.
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Very Rigorous JournalEFFECT OF ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE SMOKING ON BLOOD PRESSURE IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS. EVALUATION BY NON-INVASIVE CONTINUOUS AMBULATORY BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT
Electronic cigarette smoking significantly increases blood pressure and heart rate in hypertensive patients, with a relatively long duration of blood pressure increase (28 minutes) and high daily inhalation frequency.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalVaping behaviour patterns and daily blood pressure and heart rate variation: a brief report
Ad libitum nicotine consumption has an acute, dose-dependent effect on cardiovascular response, regardless of whether it is smoked or vaped.
Observational StudyAcute Effects of Heat‐Not‐Burn, Electronic Vaping, and Traditional Tobacco Combustion Cigarettes: The Sapienza University of Rome‐Vascular Assessment of Proatherosclerotic Effects of Smoking (SUR‐VAPES) 2 Randomized Trial
Single use of heat-not-burn, electronic vaping, and traditional tobacco combustion cigarettes all negatively impact oxidative stress, antioxidant reserve, platelet function, cardiovascular, and satisfaction dimensions.
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Highly CitedElectronic Cigarette Use and Blood Pressure Endpoints: a Systematic Review
E-cigarette use, with and without nicotine, may cause short-term elevations in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels.
Systematic ReviewE-cigarettes and cigarettes worsen peripheral and central hemodynamics as well as arterial stiffness: A randomized, double-blinded pilot study
E-cigarettes and cigarettes both worsen peripheral and central blood pressure and arterial stiffness, potentially increasing long-term cardiovascular risk.
RCTHighly CitedAcute effects of electronic cigarettes on arterial pressure and peripheral sympathetic activity in young non-smokers.
E-cigarette usage increases mean arterial pressure and reduces peripheral sympathetic activity in young non-smokers through baroreflex mediated inhibition.
RCTImpact of vaping and smoking on maximum respiratory pressures and respiratory function
Vaping and smoking both negatively impact lung function, suggesting they may not be a healthier alternative to smoking.
Observational StudyCARDIORESPIRATORY EFFECTS OF HIGH TEMPERATURE ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES VAPING
High-temperature e-cigarette vaping increases heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and decreases transcutaneous oxygen tension, but does not impair skin microvascular function.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalEffects of e‐cigarettes and vaping devices on cardiac and pulmonary physiology
E-cigarette use leads to cardiopulmonary physiological changes similar to cigarette smoking, with potential long-term health risks.
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