Does Vaping Raise Blood Pressure?

Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling an aerosol, often called vapor, produced by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or other vaping device. Vaping has become a popular alternative to smoking, as it is perceived to be less harmful and more enjoyable. However, vaping is not without risks, and one of the most common questions that vapers and potential vapers have is: does vaping raise blood pressure, does vaping cause high blood pressure, or can vaping cause high blood pressure?

In this article, we will answer these questions by looking at the effects of vaping on blood pressure and cardiovascular health. We will also compare vaping to smoking and provide some tips and resources for vapers who want to lower their blood pressure or quit vaping.

Key Takeaways

Vaping can raise blood pressure immediately and in the long term by affecting the cardiovascular system.
Vaping may cause high blood pressure or hypertension, which is a condition where the blood pressure is consistently higher than usual and can lead to serious health problems.
Vaping can increase the risk of high blood pressure by exposing the body to nicotine and other harmful ingredients in e-liquids, such as propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavorings, and additives.
Vaping can impair exercise performance and recovery, which is essential for maintaining blood pressure and cardiovascular health.
Vaping may have similar or different effects on blood pressure and cardiovascular health compared to smoking, depending on the type, frequency, and duration of vaping or smoking and the individual characteristics and health status of the users.
Vapers should monitor their blood pressure and cardiovascular health regularly and consult their doctor if they have any concerns or symptoms.
Vapers who want to lower their blood pressure or quit vaping should seek professional help and use evidence-based methods, such as nicotine replacement therapy, behavioral counseling, and medication.

Does Vaping Cause High Blood Pressure? The relationship between vaping and high blood pressure has been a subject of growing concern and research in recent years. Vaping, or the use of electronic cigarettes, involves inhaling aerosolized substances, often containing nicotine and other chemicals. Nicotine, a stimulant found in traditional cigarettes and many vaping products, is known to temporarily raise blood pressure by constricting blood vessels and increasing the heart rate. While some studies suggest a potential link between vaping and an increase in blood pressure, the long-term effects and the extent of the impact on cardiovascular health are still under investigation. It's crucial for individuals, especially those with existing cardiovascular conditions, to be aware of the potential risks associated with vaping and to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice on maintaining healthy blood pressure. As research in this area continues to evolve, staying informed about the latest findings is essential for making informed decisions about vaping and overall well-being.

The Effects of Nicotine on Blood Pressure

One of the main factors that affect blood pressure and cardiovascular health is nicotine, which is a stimulant and addictive substance found in tobacco and most disposable vapes. Nicotine affects the cardiovascular system by activating the sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the "fight or flight" response. This causes the following changes in the body:

The heart rate and blood pressure increase as the heart pumps more blood to the muscles and organs.
The blood vessels constrict or narrow, increasing the resistance to blood flow and raising blood pressure.
The adrenal glands release adrenaline and cortisol, hormones that increase blood pressure and blood sugar levels and suppress the immune system.

These effects are temporary and usually subside within a few minutes after vaping or smoking. However, repeated exposure to nicotine can cause chronic changes in the cardiovascular system, such as:

The heart becomes enlarged and less efficient, which increases the workload and oxygen demand of the heart.
The blood vessels become stiff and less elastic, which reduces the ability of the blood vessels to dilate and regulate the blood pressure.
The blood becomes thicker and more prone to clotting, which increases the risk of stroke and heart attack.
The inflammation and oxidative stress in the blood vessels and the heart increase, which damages the cells and tissues and promotes atherosclerosis or the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Several studies have shown the immediate and long-term effects of nicotine on blood pressure and cardiovascular health. For example, a study by Vlachopoulos et al. (2016) found that vaping increased the systolic blood pressure (the pressure when the heart beats) by 16.5 mmHg, the diastolic blood pressure (the pressure when the heart rests) by 10.8 mmHg, and the heart rate by 7.5 beats per minute in healthy young smokers. Another study by Benowitz et al. (2018) found that vaping increased the plasma nicotine levels and blood pressure in smokers who switched to e-cigarettes for two weeks. A meta-analysis by Bhatnagar et al. (2020) found that vaping increased the risk of hypertension, or high blood pressure, by 71% in current e-cigarette users and by 58% in former e-cigarette users, compared to never-e-cigarette users.

The effects of nicotine on blood pressure and cardiovascular health depend on the nicotine levels and delivery methods of different vaping devices and e-liquids. Vaping devices vary in design, power, and resistance, affecting the vapor and nicotine they produce. E-liquids vary in nicotine concentration, ranging from 0 to 50 mg/mL, and their nicotine type, such as freebase or salts. Freebase nicotine is the most common type of nicotine in e-liquids, and it has a higher pH and a lower potency than nicotine salts. Nicotine salts are a newer type of nicotine in e-liquids, and they have a lower pH and a higher power than freebase nicotine. Nicotine salts are more similar to the nicotine found in tobacco, and they can deliver higher doses of nicotine more quickly and smoothly than freebase nicotine.

Vapers should be aware of the potential risks of nicotine overdose and addiction from vaping, mainly if they use high-nicotine e-liquids or nicotine salts. Nicotine overdose can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Nicotine addiction can cause cravings, withdrawal, tolerance, and dependence, which can make it hard to quit vaping or reduce the nicotine intake. Vapers who want to lower their nicotine intake or stop vaping should consult their doctor and use evidence-based methods, such as nicotine replacement therapy, behavioral counseling, and medication.

The Effects of Other Vaping Ingredients on Blood Pressure

Another factor affecting blood pressure and cardiovascular health is the other ingredients commonly found in e-liquids, such as propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavorings, and additives. Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin are the main components of e-liquids, and they are used to create the vapor and carry the nicotine and flavorings. Flavorings and additives enhance the taste, smell, and appearance of e-liquids, and they can range from natural extracts to artificial chemicals.

Depending on their type, concentration, and quality, these ingredients may have different health effects on blood pressure and the cardiovascular system. Some of the possible outcomes are:

Inflammation: Some ingredients, such as propylene glycol, flavorings, and additives, can cause inflammation in the lungs, blood vessels, and heart, increasing blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular diseases. A study by Carnevale et al. (2016) found that vaping increased inflammatory markers, such as interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein, in the blood of healthy young vapers.
Oxidative stress: Some ingredients, such as propylene glycol, flavorings, and additives, can cause oxidative stress in the body, which is an imbalance between the production and the removal of free radicals or reactive oxygen species. Free radicals can damage the cells and tissues of the lungs, blood vessels, and heart, contributing to atherosclerosis, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. A study by Chaumont et al. (2018) found that vaping increased the levels of oxidative stress markers, such as malondialdehyde and 8-isoprostane, in the urine of healthy young vapers.
Endothelial dysfunction: Some ingredients, such as propylene glycol, flavorings, and additives, can cause endothelial dysfunction, a condition where the inner lining of the blood vessels, called the endothelium, loses its ability to dilate and regulate blood pressure. Endothelial dysfunction can lead to hypertension, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular diseases. A study by Antoniewicz et al. (2016) found that vaping impaired the endothelial function of the brachial artery, which is a major artery in the arm, in healthy young vapers.
Arterial stiffness: Some ingredients, such as propylene glycol, flavorings, and additives, can cause arterial stiffness, making the arteries less elastic and more rigid. Arterial stiffness can increase the blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular diseases. A study by Vlachopoulos et al. (2018) found that vaping increased the arterial stiffness of the aorta, which is the main artery in the body, in healthy young vapers.

One of the challenges of studying the effects of these ingredients on blood pressure and cardiovascular health is the need for more regulation and quality control of e-liquids and vaping devices. E-liquids and vaping devices are not subject to the same standards and testing as tobacco products and medications. They can vary widely in their composition, purity, and safety. E-liquids and vaping devices can also contain contaminants and pollutants, such as heavy metals, diacetyl, acrolein, and formaldehyde, which can have harmful effects on blood pressure and cardiovascular health. Vapers should be cautious about the source and quality of their e-liquids and vaping devices and avoid using unregulated or counterfeit products.

The Effects of Vaping on Exercise Performance and Recovery

Exercise is one of the best ways to lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health, as it strengthens the heart, lowers cholesterol, reduces stress, and enhances mood. However, vaping can impair exercise performance and recovery by affecting the heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen delivery, and muscle function.

Vaping can increase the heart rate and blood pressure during exercise, making the movement more difficult and exhausting. Vaping can also reduce the oxygen delivery to the muscles and organs during exercise, limiting aerobic capacity and endurance. Vaping can also impair muscle function and strength during training, affecting anaerobic ability and power. Vaping can also delay recovery after exercise, increasing muscle soreness and fatigue and reducing adaptation and improvement.

Several studies have shown the worse exercise outcomes of people who vape compared to people who do not use any nicotine. For example, a survey by Bhamra et al. (2018) found that vaping reduced the peak oxygen uptake, the peak power output, and the time to exhaustion in healthy young vapers during a maximal exercise test. Another study by Scott et al. (2019) found that vaping impaired the muscle strength and power in healthy young vapers during a leg press exercise. A third study by Scott et al. (2020) discovered that vaping increased muscle damage and inflammation in healthy young vapers after a leg press exercise.

Vapers who want to improve their exercise performance and recovery should consider the following tips:

Choose low-nicotine or nicotine-free e-liquids, as nicotine can increase the heart rate and blood pressure and reduce oxygen delivery during exercise.
Avoid vaping before, during, and after exercise, as vaping can impair muscle function and strength and delay recovery after exercise.
Drink plenty of water, as vaping can cause dehydration, which can affect blood pressure and exercise performance and recovery.
Eat a balanced diet, as vaping can affect the appetite and the nutrient intake, impacting the blood pressure and the exercise performance and recovery.
Get enough sleep, as vaping can affect sleep quality and quantity, affecting blood pressure and exercise performance and recovery.

The Effects of Vaping on Blood Pressure Compared to Smoking

Many people who vape are former or current smokers who use vaping as a harm reduction or cessation strategy. Vaping is generally considered to be less harmful than smoking, as it does not involve the combustion of tobacco and the production of tar and carbon monoxide, which are the leading causes of smoking-related diseases. However, vaping is not risk-free, and it may have similar or different effects on blood pressure and cardiovascular health compared to smoking, depending on the type, frequency, and duration of vaping or smoking and the individual characteristics and health status of the users.

Some studies have shown that vaping has similar effects on blood pressure and cardiovascular health as smoking, as both vaping and smoking expose the body to nicotine and other harmful substances that can affect the cardiovascular system. For example, a study by Flouris et al. (2013) found that vaping and smoking increased the systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate in healthy young smokers and vapers. Another study by Ndunda and Muutu (2017) found that vaping and smoking increased the risk of hypertension in adults and that there was no significant difference between the two groups.

Other studies have shown that vaping has different effects on blood pressure and cardiovascular health as smoking, as vaping and smoking have different levels and modes of exposure to nicotine and other harmful substances. For example, a study by Polosa et al. (2016) found that vaping reduced blood pressure and improved endothelial function in smokers with hypertension who switched to e-cigarettes for one year. Another study by Farsalinos et al. (2016) found that vaping had less impact on arterial stiffness than smoking in healthy young smokers and vapers.

The comparison between vaping and smoking is not straightforward, as many factors may influence the results, such as:

The type of vaping device and e-liquid, and the kind of tobacco product and cigarette, affect the amount and quality of nicotine and other substances that are delivered to the body.
The frequency and duration of vaping or smoking and the number of puffs and inhalations affect the exposure and accumulation of nicotine and other substances in the body.
The individual characteristics and health status of the users, such as age, gender, weight, genetics, medical history, and lifestyle, affect the metabolism and response of nicotine and other substances in the body.

Therefore, the effects of vaping on blood pressure and cardiovascular health compared to smoking may vary from person to person and from time to time. Vapers and smokers should not assume that vaping is safer or better than smoking, and they should consult their doctor and monitor their blood pressure and cardiovascular health regularly. Also, read our previous article about vaping and smoking and what the difference is between vaping and smoking.

Does Vaping Raise Blood Pressure?