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Vaping has an immediate effect on vascular function
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
Scientists have identified acute effects of cigarette smoking and e-cigarette (vaping) use on vascular function, even in the absence of nicotine. The results of an ongoing study were presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
Electronic cigarettes, or vapes, are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid to create an aerosol that is inhaled into the lungs. Vapes are thought to contain significantly fewer chemicals and toxins than tobacco smoke, so many consider them less harmful. Vapes also come in a variety of flavors, making them popular among young people.
"E-cigarettes have long been promoted as a safer alternative to smoking tobacco," said lead study author Dr. Marianne Nabbout, a radiologist at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. "Some believe that vapes do not contain harmful chemicals, such as free radicals, that are present in cigarettes because they do not involve combustion."
Research into the effects of smoking and vaping
While vaping reduces exposure to toxic chemicals compared to regular cigarettes, it can still negatively impact vascular function and overall health.
In a study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, researchers examined the acute effects of smoking and vaping on vascular function. They focused on the immediate effects of both nicotine-containing and nicotine-free vape aerosols.
Research details
- The study involved 31 healthy smokers and vapers aged 21 to 49 years.
- Each participant underwent two MRI examinations: one before and one after using the following products:
- regular tobacco cigarettes;
- nicotine vape aerosol;
- nicotine free vape aerosol.
- To assess blood flow in the femoral artery, a cuff was placed on the participants' upper thigh to temporarily restrict blood flow. After the cuff was removed, blood flow velocity and venous oxygen saturation were measured.
- Cerebral blood flow response was measured using phase-contrast MRI.
Data from smokers and vapers were compared with baseline data from 10 non-smoking, non-vaping participants aged 21 to 33 years.
Results
- After inhalation of any type of aerosol or smoke, a significant reduction in blood flow velocity was observed in the superficial femoral artery, which supplies oxygen to the lower part of the body.
- The reduction in vascular function was most pronounced after using nicotine vaping, followed by non-nicotine vaping.
- A decrease in venous oxygen saturation was also observed in vaping users, regardless of nicotine content, indicating a decrease in the lungs' ability to absorb oxygen immediately after vaping.
"This study highlights the acute effects of smoking and vaping that occur immediately at the vascular level," Dr. Nabbout said. "While acute vaping use can immediately affect vascular function, chronic use may lead to vascular disease."
Conclusions
The main message for the general public, Dr. Nabbutt said, is that vaping is not without harm.
"We rely on science to regulate these products in the interest of public health," she added. "It is always recommended to refrain from smoking and vaping."