Despite the widespread belief that vaping is generally safe, a recent study revealed that even vaping without nicotine can be dangerous. The study contrasted rolled cigarettes that contain this addictive substance with vapes that have no nicotine. Even though you may already be aware that vaping is not as safe as previously thought, this knowledge might be sufficient to permanently break the habit!
The Vaping Study
The University of Pennsylvania study examined how smoking and vaping affect the vascular system of the body and was published in Medical and Life Sciences. The vascular system is made up of blood vessels that carry blood and lymph fluid throughout the body, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Another name for it is the circulatory system. Blood is transported throughout the body by the veins and arteries. They eliminate tissue waste and provide the tissues with nutrition and oxygen. 31 healthy smokers and vapers, ranging in age from 21 to 49, were selected for the study, and each participant underwent two MRI scans.
Details of the Study
Prior to and following the participant’s smoking or vaping session, the first MRI was conducted. The episodes included smoking a tobacco cigarette, vaping on a nicotine-containing e-cigarette, and vaping on a nicotine-free e-cigarette. The rate of blood flow and the volume that returned to the heart were used to calculate the individuals’ oxygen flow. The collected information was then compared to the baseline scans of ten people, aged 21 to 33, who did not smoke or vape.
The Results of the Study
The study discovered that the superficial femoral artery’s resting blood flow velocity was significantly decreased by inhaling each kind of smoking or vaping. This artery supplies oxygenated blood to the lower body by passing through the thigh. Inhaled e-cigarettes with nicotine caused the greatest reduction in vascular function, which was followed by inhaling e-cigarettes without nicotine.
A decrease in oxygen in any case
Regretfully, there was a notable decrease in venous oxygen saturation whether or not the e-cigarette contained nicotine. This implies that whether you are smoking away on a more potentially addictive vaporizer or not, you are still getting less oxygen. In other words, it isn’t very good at all. This implies that the cardiac output is not enough to meet tissue oxygen requirements.
Emphasizing the Immediate Consequences of Smoking and Vaping
“This study highlights the acute effects smoking and vaping can have on a multitude of vascular beds in the human body,” said lead author Dr. Marianna Nabbout. Long-term e-cigarette use may result in vascular disease if acute use can affect the arteries right away. Therefore, it is much safer to just quit than to run the risk of possible harm, regardless of whether your gadget contains nicotine.
Additional Health Concerns Linked to Vaping
In addition to the vascular effects, vaping has been linked to several other health issues. Over time, chemicals like formaldehyde and acrolein found in e-cigarette vapor can cause lung inflammation and damage. Additionally, the body may accumulate heavy metals like nickel and lead that could leak from the device’s parts, which could result in respiratory and neurological issues. In severe cases, patients have reported EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury), a significant lung injury that can cause long-term issues or even death.
What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Vaping
There are significant health benefits to stopping vaping, even after years of use. Your blood flow improves and the tissues’ oxygen supply recovers to normal in a matter of days. As the body gradually heals the harm, lung function starts to improve over the ensuing weeks and months. Although quitting nicotine can be difficult, the benefits of less cravings, more energy, and a healthier heart make the effort worthwhile. Additionally, quitting reduces the risk of long-term consequences including as cancer, chronic respiratory issues, and vascular disease.
The Final Word on Vaping
The vascular system is harmed by vaping, regardless of whether the device is entirely nicotine-free, according to scientific research. Vaping has immediate effects on blood flow and oxygen delivery, therefore it’s not a harmless habit. It may also result in long-term issues like cardiovascular disease and lung damage. The good news is that many of these effects may be reversed by stopping, which enables your body to repair itself. Your body will eventually thank you for giving up vaping, and doing so now will save your health and future!