Nowadays, many youngsters and adults adopt the habit of smoking e-cigarettes. This product is one of the most popular ones in the market but who knows what the side effects are even worse of this product? On the other side, 40-year-olds think that switching from normal cigarettes to e-cigarettes or vaping can save their lives. Unluckily, it is more than dangerous!
In this blog post, we will discuss how much e-cigarettes or vapes are dangerous for your heart health and what are the major risks. Also, you will learn that if you ever experience heart problems, you should consult the German Heart Centre Dubai experts. So, keep reading!
What are E-Cigarettes?
E-cigarettes, which are referred to as vape pens are devices, which entail using a battery to heat a particular liquid and produce an aerosol that is inhaled by the user. It is not as simple as steam and a lot more than the harmless description suggests. The substance that is used to fill the cartridges commonly contains nicotine derived from tobacco, propylene glycol, natural and artificial flavours and other ingredients.
Research however shows that even e-cigarettes that have no nicotine content present have nicotine at very low levels. In addition, as the e-liquid is heated to change into vapour, even more, toxic components are formed.
But, in the same light, the failure to find traces of smoke implies that nothing threatening stands in the way of a person’s health. Nicotine – the major addictive component in regular cigarettes and e-cigarettes – is known to have strong cardiovascular impacts.
Nicotine and the Cardiovascular System:
Cigarette smoking and the use of e-cigarettes contain nicotine; this substance is known to affect the cardiovascular system. Nicotine is a very potent stimulant, it makes one’s heart race and raises one’s blood pressure which in turn the heart work much harder. It also causes the blood vessels to narrow, which means that less oxygen and nutrients can get through to the body’s organs.
Over time, this increased strain on the cardiovascular system can lead to various conditions, including heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. A German Certified Cardiologist would emphasise that while nicotine in e-cigarettes may not come from burnt tobacco, it still poses serious health risks, especially when consumed in high concentrations.
Chemicals in E-Cigarette Vapor:
While nicotine is a major concern, it’s not the only harmful substance found in e-cigarette vapour. The aerosol produced by e-cigarettes contains a mixture of chemicals, some of which can negatively impact cardiovascular health. Common substances include:
- Propylene Glycol and Glycerin: These are the base components of most e-liquids, and when heated, they can break down into toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and acetaldehyde.
- Flavourings: Many e-cigarettes come in various flavours, which are created using chemical additives. Some of these additives, such as diacetyl, have been linked to respiratory issues and may also contribute to cardiovascular problems.
- Heavy Metals: E-cigarette devices can release small amounts of heavy metals, including nickel, tin, and lead, which can be toxic when inhaled and have been associated with heart disease.
Given these components, a German Heart Centre expert would caution users that while e-cigarettes may seem cleaner than traditional cigarettes, they still introduce harmful substances into the body.
The Impact on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate:
One of nicotine’s early impacts is the propensity to increase blood pressure and heart rate. This occurs because nicotine promotes the release of adrenaline, causing the heart to work harder and the blood vessels to constrict. Over time, this persistent rise in blood pressure can progress to hypertension, a key risk factor for heart disease.
Patients who consult with a German Heart Centre in Dubai often report that their vaping habits contribute to symptoms such as heart palpitations and high blood pressure. For individuals already at risk of heart disease, these effects can exacerbate their condition and lead to serious complications, including heart attack or stroke.
Vaping vs. Smoking: Which is Worse for Cardiovascular Health?
People say that vaping is ‘better’ than smoking but it’s not that simple. While it’s true e-cigarettes contain fewer toxic chemicals than combustible tobacco products, they remain potentially harmful in large part because of their harmfulness — especially to the cardiovascular system. Elevated risks of heart disease from vaping and smoking may both be on the rise, but how much more risk there is from one over the other is not clear, according to research.
The same study by the American Heart Association found that regular e-cigarette use was linked with a greater likelihood of a heart attack among users, vs. non-smokers. However, the same study found that the risk is still lower compared with that of traditional smoking. This means vaping may not be entirely safe, it may be only slightly less hazardous than smoking – but still not safe.
If people are trying to kick the knack, then it’s pertinent to weigh up the pros and cons of taking on e-cigs. While vaping may lower some smokers’ risks, it’s not a risk-free method for heart health.
The Bottom Line!
Therefore, e-cigarettes are safer than conventional smoking but that does not mean they are innocuous. The total toxicants and nicotine in the e-cigarette aerosol lead towards cardiovascular danger. An elevated heart rate and blood pressure, inflammation, and oxidative stress all come from vaping and can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.
With the increasing popularity of vaping, especially among the youth, there is a need to inform the public about potential subclinical cardiovascular threats. If you are thinking of vaping as a means to quit smoking or finding out how vaping affects your health, talking to a German Certified Cardiologist or the experts at a German Heart Centre in Dubai will offer beneficial information on how vaping harms the heart.