The substance also reduces dilation of blood vessels, increases heart rate and blood pressure.
- In 2019, the World Health Organization declared e-cigarettes “unquestionably harmful”.
- For the authors of this study, it is better to use other methods to quit smoking such as patches or gums.
The electronic cigarette was invented in the early 2000s, since then its success has been growing. Many smokers use it to reduce their cigarette consumption”classics” or even to stop smoking completely. On the side of scientists, the subject is divided: if it seems less harmful than tobacco, the electronic cigarette presents risks. During the International Congress of European Society of Pneumologyresearchers have presented a new study on the subject: according to their results, electronic cigarettes containing nicotine increase the risk of blood clots.
A series of tests to observe the effects of electronic cigarettes
Trials were conducted with 22 participants, aged 18 to 45, in good health. Each volunteer was tested before and after taking 30 puffs of an e-cigarette containing nicotine, and before and after 30 puffs of an e-cigarette not containing nicotine. These two series of tests were carried out on separate occasions, at least one week apart. Before the start of each of the tests, the researchers measured the heart rate and blood pressure of the participants and took a blood sample. The same examinations were carried out after 15 minutes of use, then 60 minutes later. Scientists also used a laser to observe blood vessels before and after using e-cigarettes.
An effect of nicotine on hormones?
In the group that vaped nicotine, the research team found an average increase in blood clots: they were 23% more numerous after 15 minutes, then returned to normal levels after 60 minutes. At the same time, the participants’ heart rate was higher: it went from 66 beats per minute to an average of 73 bpm. Blood pressure went from an average of 108 millimeters of mercury/mmHg to 117mmHg. Immediately after using the electronic cigarette containing nicotine, the participants’ blood vessels became narrower. “These effects were not observed after volunteers used e-cigarettes that did not contain nicotine.say the authors of the study. Nicotine is known to increase levels of hormones such as adrenaline in the body, which in turn can increase blood clots.“
An impact similar to that of conventional cigarettes
“Our results suggest that using e-cigarettes containing nicotine has similar impacts on the body as smoking traditional cigarettes.“, adds Gustaf Lyytinen, a researcher at the Karolina Institute in Stockholm and lead author of this research. According to him, with such effects, electronic cigarettes containing nicotine could increase the risk of heart attack or stroke to long term.
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