E-cigarettes linked to increased arterial stiffness, blood pressure and heart rate in humans
Presenting the research at the Europea n Respiratory Society I nternational Congress today (Monday), Dr Magnus Lundbäck said: "The number of e-cigarette users has increased dramatically in the last few years. E-cigarettes are regarded by the general public as almost harmless. The e-cigarette industry markets their product as a way to reduce harm and to help people to stop smoking tobacco cigarettes. However, the safety of e-cigarettes is debated, and a growing body of evidence is suggesting several adverse health effects. "The results are preliminary, but in this study we found there was a significant increase in heart rate and blood pressure in the volunteers who were exposed to e-cigarettes containing nicotine. Arterial stiffness increased around three-fold in those who were exposed to nicotine containing e-cigarettes compared to the nicotine-free group." Dr Lundbäck (MD, PhD), who is a research leader and clinical registra r at the Danderyd University Hospital, ...