Vascular Effects of a Single Bout of Electronic Cigarette Use.

Electronic cigarettes (EC) are commonly marketed as a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes (TC), but recent studies have observed adverse effects on vascular functions from EC vapors similar to those observed from TC. Currently, it is not clear if differing levels of nicotine and compounds from heating in e-cigarettes influence vascular functions. Sixteen young, apparently healthy tobacco-product naïve participants were studied. Each participant underwent three separate "vaping" trials with menthol-flavored quit smoking aid, electronically heated menthol flavored EC with 0% or 5.4% nicotine. During each visit, measurements were performed at baseline, immediately post, 1 hour, and 2 hours post EC exposure. There were no significant changes in heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, endothelial function (via flow-mediated dilation), and arterial stiffness (via Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index) throughout the experiments. In conclusion, vaping electronic cigarettes did not produce acute and persistent effects on subclinical vascular functions over the course of a 2-hour trial in young, healthy, tobacco product naïve participants.