A new study has shown that even e-cigarettes without nicotine content have an immediate damaging effect on blood vessel function. This research, presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America in Chicago, is intended to show that vaping leads to a massive reduction in vascular function and oxygen saturation, which could eventually lead to vascular diseases.

Vaping Reduces Blood Flow and Oxygen Intake

A new study, carried out by Dr. Marianne Nabbout, a radiology resident at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, shows that both nicotine and non-nicotine e-cigarettes led to a drop in venous oxygen saturation.

Venous oxygen saturation is an indirect measure of oxygen that the lungs are picking up. Thus, the study suggests that vaping may impair lung functions. Researchers recruited 31 habitual smokers or vapers aged 21 to 49 and compared them against a control group of 10 nonsmokers. Before and after both vaping or smoking the participants underwent MRI scans which revealed a sudden decrease in resting blood flow velocity in the femoral artery responsible for the supply of oxygenated blood to the lower body.

Even though the one consuming nicotine-based e-cigarettes showed the greatest reduction in vascular function, others in the non-nicotine-using group also showed quite significant changes. According to Dr. Nabbout, harmful substances within the vapor released by e-cigarettes, such as lead and nickel, formaldehyde, and propylene glycol, can cause adverse effects within the human body even without nicotine.

Long-Term Health Risks

The results of this study are added to the growing list of concerns about the long-term consequences of vaping. While e-cigarettes are advertised as being a much safer alternative to ordinary cigarettes, research continually indicates that they are still hazardous. Dr Albert Rizzo, the chief medical officer of the American Lung Association, was quoted saying that even though e-cigarettes contained fewer toxins than regular cigarettes, their impact on blood vessels and lungs remains worrisome. He pointed out that vaping was likely to cause inflammation; for instance, air pollution, leading to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular conditions.

The study also revealed low oxygen levels in all vape users, which may be yet another indication that vaping causes inefficient oxygen exchange in the lungs. Poor vascular function, such as this, can cause diseases such as blood clots, hypertension, and even stroke over time.

More:Israel’s cabinet convenes to deliberate the Lebanon ceasefire agreement.

Regulatory Action and Public Health Concerns

As of now, more than 1.6 million middle and high school students vape in the United States, based on the FDA. Public health experts are pushing for stricter regulation of e-cigarette products in the wake of e-cigarettes being available for years without serious regulations. The FDA reviews millions of product applications, however, after having e-cigarettes widely available. Though some doctors have already suggested e-cigarettes as an option for quitting smoking, studies have proven that e-cigarettes can indeed not be helpful for people to quit smoking entirely.

As vaping continues to grow in popularity, especially among youth, health experts are increasingly concerned about its long-term consequences. Dr. Rizzo called for more research to fully understand the effects of vaping on the body, particularly in young people who are drawn to flavored products. Given the growing evidence of vaping’s harmful effects, many are advocating for stronger regulatory action to prevent young people from becoming regular users of e-cigarettes.