Vaping was initially marketed as a healthier alternative to smoking, offering a solution to those looking to quit cigarettes. However, new research reveals that vaping may not be as safe as it was once thought to be, especially concerning your heart health.
New Research Raises Concerns
A study published in Circulation, a journal from the American Heart Association, suggests that certain chemicals found in e-cigarette flavorings can interfere with heart function. This study, led by Matthew A. Nystoriak, Ph.D., at the University of Louisville, examined how e-cigarette flavorings affected human heart cells known as cardiomyocytes. These cells are responsible for the heart’s ability to contract and pump blood throughout the body.
How Flavorings Affect Your Heart
The researchers tested 15 different flavors of e-cigarette liquids on these heart cells. They found that some of these flavoring chemicals, when heated or unheated, caused significant changes in the way the cells functioned. For instance, cinnamon flavoring stopped the cells from contracting for up to 24 hours after exposure. Other flavors, like clove, floral, and citrus, caused the heart cells to beat faster. These results suggest that the chemicals may have a direct impact on heart muscle cells, which could lead to long-term damage.
Are Heated or Unheated Chemicals Worse?
Interestingly, the chemicals had a more significant effect when unheated. This finding differs from the effects seen when these chemicals are used in e-cigarettes, as they are typically heated. Therefore, scientists are still uncertain about how these flavorings impact the heart when vaped. More research is needed to determine whether the heated chemicals still cause harm or if the unheated form is more dangerous.
A Wake-Up Call for Vapers
Despite the need for further study, experts warn that vaping is not without risks. Matthew L. Springer, Ph.D., a researcher studying the effects of tobacco smoke on the vascular system, advises that people who vape should not assume e-cigarettes are harmless just because they don’t produce smoke. “The best thing that you can inhale is clean air,” he emphasized.
Conclusion: What This Means for Your Health
While vaping may seem like a safer alternative to smoking, it is clear that it still carries health risks, especially concerning your heart. The potential for these chemicals to interfere with heart cell function is concerning, and vapers should be cautious. Ultimately, the safest choice for your heart and overall health is to avoid inhaling any kind of substance that could damage your heart—whether through smoking, vaping, or any other means.