In a new study, researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden announce that electronic cigarettes that contain nicotine “significantly increase” the cardiac frequency, blood pressure and stiffness of the arteries. While no such effect has been recorded in smokers of e-cigarettes that do not contain nicotine. Effects that increase the risk of stroke or heart trouble.
Lead author Dr Magnus Lundback explains: “The use of e-cigarettes has increased dramatically over the past few years and they are considered by the general public to be almost harmless. However, the safety of e-cigarettes is debated, and more and more studies point out. negative health effects. “
Temporary effects on arterial stiffness
For this study, Dr. Lundback and his team recruited 15 light smokers (less than 10 cigarettes per day) with no health problems. They were asked to use electronic cigarettes with nicotine every other day. Alternately, they smoked electronic cigarettes without nicotine.
The researchers measured blood pressure, heart rate and arterial stiffness immediately after smoking, then 2 and finally 4 hours later. Within 30 minutes of vaping e-cigarettes with nicotine, they observed a significant increase in blood pressure, heart rate, and arterial stiffness. While no such effect has been recorded after vaping without nicotine. However, the effects on arterial stiffness were temporary.
According to Swedish doctors, this study invites to have a “critical and cautious attitude towards electronic cigarettes”.
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