Does Vaping Cause High Blood Pressure?

Understanding the potential health implications of vaping is crucial for both e-cigarette industry professionals and the general public. One area of concern is the link between vaping and high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. This comprehensive guide delves into the current state of research, the role of nicotine, and the importance of making informed decisions about vaping and overall health.

Understanding Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition that often presents with few, if any, symptoms¹. Prolonged hypertension can lead to damage in blood vessels, potentially contributing to the development of severe conditions such as heart disease, strokes, and kidney problems. The National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom lists several factors that can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure, including smoking and excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption.

The Challenge of Studying Vaping’s Health Effects

Conducting research on the health effects of vaping presents a unique challenge, as many study participants are former smokers. This complicates the process of drawing definitive conclusions, as health issues identified in vapers may be attributed to the lingering effects of their previous smoking habits. Until researchers can establish a method to isolate the specific impacts of vaping, any understanding of its effects must be approached with caution.

Despite the challenges in studying vaping’s health effects, experts have a solid understanding of the impact of nicotine on the human body. Nicotine, a key ingredient in both traditional cigarettes and vaping devices, has been extensively researched and is known to have several physiological effects, particularly on the cardiovascular system².

Smoking and High Blood Pressure

The relationship between smoking and blood pressure has been well-documented through numerous studies. Research published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States confirms that smoking a cigarette acutely increases blood pressure, an effect mediated by nicotine³. The routine nature of smoking often leads to several sharp spikes in blood pressure throughout an average day, which can contribute to more permanent issues triggered by prolonged hypertension.

Vaping and Blood Pressure

While Public Health England has stated that vaping products are an estimated 95% less harmful than cigarettes, primarily due to the absence of harmful by-products found in cigarette smoke, the presence of nicotine in vapes means that the risk of hypertension could be comparable. A study published in the Journal of Hypertension specifically explored the impact of vaping on the blood pressure of individuals already suffering from hypertension. The study found that vaping caused a statistically significant increase in blood pressure and heart rate, with the effects lasting about 30 minutes⁴.

Immediate Effects of Vaping on Blood Pressure

One study found that blood pressure increased from approximately 122/72 mm Hg to about 127/77 mm Hg immediately after vaping, an effect attributed to nicotine’s stimulating effects on the cardiovascular system⁵. Blood pressure remains elevated for about 30 minutes following nicotine intake via e-cigarettes, which is particularly concerning for individuals with pre-existing hypertension, as repeated vaping throughout the day can lead to sustained elevated blood pressure levels.

Nicotine-Free Vaping on Blood Pressure

Even nicotine-free vaping poses risks to cardiovascular health. E-cigarette vapor contains thousands of other chemicals besides nicotine, most of which are still unidentified, and their effects on heart rate, blood pressure, and the risk of coronary heart disease remain unclear. Vape users should understand that e-cigarettes are potentially dangerous to their health, with emerging evidence linking vaping to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and lung cancer.

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Long-term Considerations

Chronic exposure to nicotine, whether from smoking or vaping, may lead to permanent cardiovascular issues⁶, including arterial stiffness and increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Although the immediate effects of vaping on blood pressure may be temporary, ongoing use raises concerns about long-term cardiovascular health.

Comparative Risks: Vaping vs. Smoking

While both vaping and smoking are associated with increased cardiovascular risk, evidence suggests that electronic cigarettes might represent a lesser evil compared to traditional tobacco products⁷. However, experts emphasize that the ultimate goal should be complete abstinence from all tobacco and nicotine products to optimize heart health.

Given the limited data available on vaping’s impact on blood pressure, it is crucial for individuals considering vaping or concerned about their own blood pressure to consult with their healthcare provider. They can offer proper guidance and help find an alternative to smoking that aligns with individual health needs. As more research is conducted and long-term data becomes available, our understanding of the relationship between vaping and high blood pressure will continue to evolve.

Conclusion

The connection between vaping and high blood pressure is a complex issue that requires further research to fully understand the long-term implications. However, current evidence suggests that vaping, primarily due to the presence of nicotine, can contribute to acute increases in blood pressure and poses risks similar to those of traditional smoking, albeit potentially to a lesser degree.

As the popularity of vaping continues to grow, particularly among younger generations, it is essential for individuals to be aware of the potential health risks associated with this practice. By understanding the challenges in studying vaping’s effects, the role of nicotine, and the importance of consulting with healthcare professionals, individuals can make more informed decisions about their vaping habits and overall health.

Prioritizing open communication, transparency, and a commitment to public health within the vaping industry will be crucial in ensuring that consumers have access to the information they need to make informed choices about their well-being. As more long-term studies are conducted and additional data becomes available, our understanding of the relationship between vaping and high blood pressure will continue to evolve, guiding future policies and recommendations to promote cardiovascular health.

References:

High blood pressure (hypertension). Mayo Clinic Press https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373410 ↩︎
Benowitz, N. L., & Burbank, A. D. (2016). Cardiovascular toxicity of nicotine: Implications for electronic cigarette use. Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine, 26(6), 515-523. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4958544/ ↩︎
Neal L. Benowitz and Andrea D. Burbank (2016). Cardiovascular Toxicity of Nicotine: Implications for Electronic Cigarette Use. Trends Cardiovasc Med. 2016 Aug; 26(6): 515–523. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4958544/ ↩︎
Kyriakos Dimitriadis, Krzysztof Narkiewicz (2022). Acute Effects of Electronic and Tobacco Cigarette Smoking on Sympathetic Nerve Activity and Blood Pressure in Humans. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Mar; 19(6): 3237. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8952787/ ↩︎
Franzen, K. F., et al. (2018). E-cigarettes and cigarettes worsen peripheral and central hemodynamics as well as arterial stiffness: A randomized, double-blinded pilot study. Vascular Medicine, 23(5), 419-425. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29985113/ ↩︎
Kim CY, Paek YJ, Seo HG, et al. Dual use of electronic and conventional cigarettes is associated with higher cardiovascular risk factors in Korean men. Sci Rep. Published online March 27, 2020. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-62545-3 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-62545-3 ↩︎
Goniewicz ML, Miller CR, Sutanto E, Li D. How effective are electronic cigarettes for reducing respiratory and cardiovascular risk in smokers? A systematic review. Harm Reduct J. Published online November 23, 2020. doi:10.1186/s12954-020-00440-w https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12954-020-00440-w ↩︎

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.