Hidden dangers of vaping: E-cigarettes even without nicotine can damage heart, lungs

Vaping or e-cigarette is often touted as a safer alternative to smoking, but research suggests it could take a serious toll on lung and heart health. While the general belief is that e-cigarettes are free of radicals, and have fewer toxic chemicals compared to the 7,000 in tobacco cigarettes, they can have serious implications for health.
According to a new study from the University of Pennsylvania, the findings of which will be presented at the annual meeting of Radiological Society of North America on December 2, the e-cigarette use can rapidly reduce the speed of blood flow in the arteries, and could cut down the amount of oxygen taken in by the lungs.
"E-cigarettes have long been marketed as a safer alternative to regular tobacco smoking," the study's lead author, Dr. Marianne Nabbout, said in a release. "Some believe that e-cigarettes don't contain any of the harmful products, such as free radicals, found in regular tobacco cigarettes, because no combustion is involved."

The study involved 31 smokers and vapers aged between 21 and 49. It has found that vaping has a "significant decrease" on the speed of blood flow in the femoral artery, which runs along the thigh and supplies oxygenated blood to the lower half of the body. Vaping can also reduce the amount of oxygen the lungs take in.
The members of the study group underwent MRIs before and after each of the following events: smoking cigarettes, vaping e-cigarette aerosol with nicotine and vaping e-cigarette aerosol without nicotine. Cuff on the participants' thighs was used to assess oxygen saturation in the blood and the speed of blow flow in the femoral artery.
The study revealed a notable reduction in blood flow within the femoral artery, with the most significant decline in vascular function occurring after participants inhaled nicotine-containing e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes without nicotine also negatively affected vascular function, though to a slightly lesser extent.
Additionally, vapers experienced lower blood oxygen saturation, regardless of nicotine content. This indicates an immediate decrease in oxygen uptake following vaping, as per the study's findings.
"If the acute consumption of an e-cigarette can have an effect that is immediately manifested at the level of the vessels, it is conceivable that the chronic use can cause vascular disease," said Nabbout, who is a radiology resident at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock.

A study published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology found that chronic use of e-cigarettes impairs blood vessel function, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers noted that both nicotine and non-nicotine components in e-cigarettes contribute to this harm by triggering airway irritation, which impacts vascular health through inflammatory pathways. These effects were observed in both human and animal studies supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).
Research documented in CHEST explored the outbreak of e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI). This condition has caused severe lung damage, leading to thousands of cases and fatalities. The study highlighted that chemical exposure from e-liquids, particularly vitamin E acetate, is a significant culprit in causing these injuries
Research from The Johns Hopkins University on vape ingredients published in October 2021 found that thousands of chemical ingredients in vape products are yet to be identified. Some identifiable chemicals included potentially harmful substances, including caffeine, three chemicals never previously found in e-cigarettes, a pesticide and two flavorings linked with possible toxic effects and respiratory irritation.
Many vaping products, especially those targeting younger audiences with flavors, contain high levels of nicotine. This increases the likelihood of addiction and related health consequences.
E-cigarette or Vaping-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI) has led to thousands of cases of severe lung damage, with chemicals like vitamin E acetate in e-liquids identified as major contributors.
Chronic vaping has been linked to impaired blood vessel function and increased cardiovascular risks.