Vaping's Quick Impact on Blood Vessels and Oxygen

Did you know that vaping can quickly affect your blood vessels and oxygen levels? Even if there’s no nicotine involved, the chemicals in e-cigarettes can still cause harm. A recent study found that vaping, with or without nicotine, can reduce blood flow velocity in the femoral artery. This artery is crucial for supplying oxygen to your lower body. The study also showed that vaping can decrease the amount of oxygen in your blood, which might mean your lungs are not taking in as much oxygen as they should. Scientists used MRI scans to compare the effects of vaping and smoking on people’s bodies. They found that vapers, especially those using nicotine, had the most significant reduction in vascular function. This means their blood vessels couldn’t expand and contract as well, making it harder for blood to flow efficiently. Poor vascular function can lead to serious health issues like blood clots and high blood pressure. The study suggests that regular vaping might lead to vascular disease in the future. But more research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the long-term effects. It’s important to remember that e-cigarettes aren’t harmless. They contain chemicals like lead, nickel, and formaldehyde, which can affect your body. Doctors used to recommend e-cigarettes to help people quit smoking, but research shows they don’t actually help. The FDA is currently deciding which vaping products should stay on the market. They’ve authorized a few, but none are specifically approved as a harm-reduction device.