Electronic cigarettes yes. Electronic cigarettes no. The use of e-cigs, which differ from normal cigarettes substantially because they do not involve the combustion of tobacco, is at times promoted and at times rejected by experts. The reasons are many: there are those who claim that despite everything they are a less harmful alternative to blondes, who considers them lead the way to traditional smoking (especially among teenagers) and those who warn from effects still unknown on health. In reality there is no absolute truth (read this article to learn more) and this is also why studies on the subject continue.
Nicotine e-cigarettes promote blood clots
Among the most recent, the one presented at the international congress ofEuropean Respiratory Society (in progress from 5 to 8 September 2021) according to which the use of electronic cigarettes containing nicotine causes an immediate increased blood clot formation it’s a deterioration in the ability of small blood vessels to expand and dilate. As well as an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Researchers say these effects are similar to those caused by traditional cigarette smoking and, with long-term use, could lead to heart attack or stroke.
Comparison with nicotine-free cigarettes
The study is small, but very precise and meaningful. The scientists, led by Gustaf Lyytinen, a doctor at the Helsingborg hospital and a researcher at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, conducted experiments on a group of 22 women and men aged between 18 and 45 years occasional smokers, but otherwise healthy.
Each volunteer was tested before and after taking 30 puffs from one electronic cigarette containing nicotine and before and after 30 puffs from an electronic cigarette without nicotine. These two series of tests were performed on separate occasions, at least one week apart.
On each occasion, the researchers measured the volunteers’ heart rate and blood pressure. And then they collected a blood sample before using the e-cigarettes. Then 15 minutes after use and again 60 minutes after use. The researchers also carried out tests to measure any impact on blood circulation through the body’s tiny blood vessels. Both before the volunteers used e-cigarettes, and thirty minutes later.
The effect on circulation, heart rate and pressure
By comparing the test results, the researchers found that the use of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes creates one series of immediate changes shortly finished.
In fact, Dr. Lyytinen and his team found a increase middle of 23% of the blood clots after 15 minutes (returned to normal levels after one hour). To increase also the heart rate. From an average of 66 beats per minute / bpm to an average of 73 bpm. And of blood pressure. From an average of 108mm of mercury / mmHg to an average of 117mmHg.
Finally, the researchers noted that i blood vessels yes they are temporarily restricted after using nicotine-containing e-cigarettes. These effects were not seen after the volunteers used e-cigarettes that did not contain nicotine.
Similar impact to traditional cigarettes
“Our results suggest that the use of e-cigarettes that contain nicotine has a similar impact on the body to that of traditional cigarettes,” said the expert. “This effect on blood clots is important. Because we know that in the long run it can lead to clogged and narrower blood vessels. And that obviously puts people in risk of heart attacks and strokes».