4 minute read
Vapes that Include Nicotine May Create a Higher Risk for Blood Clots
from Issue 138
VAPES THAT INCLUDE NICOTINE MAY CREATE A HIGHER RISK FOR BLOOD CLOTS
WORDS BY LOUISA EMHOF
Vaping is often used as an alternative to traditional cigarette smoking or as an attempt to quit smoking entirely. Although it sometimes helps people quit smoking, vaping can be detrimental to your health. Recent studies show vapes that contain nicotine increase users’ risk of blood clots, hypertension, and potentially strokes. Due to the negative impact of nicotine on the body, it may be more beneficial to stick with products proven to be effective at helping people quit without the added health risks.
NICOTINE IN VAPES LEADS TO HEALTH RISKS
Although vapes are marketed as a healthier alternative to smoking they have their own set of risks, especially when your vape includes nicotine. At a recent meeting of the European Respiratory Society International Congress, researchers presented their findings on the adverse health effects of nicotine-based vape products. The presented research showed nicotine-based products immediately increase users’ risk for the number of blood clots, among other health concerns.
The researchers also found that the study’s subjects saw an increase in heart rate and blood pressure and a decrease in the functionality of smaller blood vessels. The process of your blood flowing through your body unobstructed by constricted vessels or blood clots is essential to nearly every part of your health.
The adverse health effects of vaping with nicotine products are similar to traditional smoking with cigarettes, destroying the belief that vaping is a healthier alternative to traditional smoking. In addition, the study did not find the adverse effects found on otherwise healthy participants using nicotine-based vape products in other healthy participants who vaped without nicotine. This led scientists to conclude nicotine in the vape directly causes the risk of increased blood clots.
HOW NICOTINE-BASED VAPE CAUSES BLOOD CLOTS
Inhaling nicotine causes your body to release an overabundance of the adrenaline hormone into your blood. Adrenaline makes your body activate its natural “fight or flight” response and increases your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. Blood clots form when nicotine is introduced to the bloodstream because nicotine changes the surface of the blood platelets (minuscule,disc-like components essential to blood clotting).
Once nicotine’s influence has morphed these platelets’ structures, it is much easier for them to group together and cause blood clots. In addition, these clots are expedited by the damage that nicotine deals to the lining of blood vessels. Damaged vessels increase the likelihood of the formation of blood clots.
EFFECTS OF NICOTINE ON THE BODY
Aside from the increased risk of blood clots, nicotine has various adverse effects on the human body. A comprehensive government-funded study compiled the results of nicotine use on the body to communicate the negative impact of nicotine-based vape products as well as traditional cigarettes. Nearly every part of the body can be affected, from the cardiovascular system to the reproductive system. The longer and more often nicotine is used, the worse the accompanying consequences.
Nicotine affects several organs and systems throughout the body. It creates a dependency on the chemical, which leads to nicotine addiction. Studies show nicotine dependence can even be passed down to children through the maternal or grand maternal line. Additionally, studies have found nicotine is as addictive as cocaine or heroin.
At the cellular level, nicotine can make changes to individual cells, creating a higher risk of cancer. Cancer is the proliferation of cells at an uncontrolled rate. When nicotine is introduced to the body, it can stimulate this increased rate of cell proliferation consistent with the early, formational stages of cancer.
Your eyes can also be affected by nicotine. Nicotine promotes pathology in the retina as well as overall degeneration. Other effects of nicotine use include decreased effectiveness of your immune system and increased risk of heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease. The male and female reproductive systems are also affected by nicotine use, decreasing fertility and affecting hormone levels in both.
A PARTING REMINDER
It is essential to be aware of the health risks that accompany vaping. Our team at Top Doctor Magazine hopes you will come away from this read with some refreshed knowledge on the risks of vape products that contain nicotine. Avoiding nicotine products can be one of the best ways to maintain or improve your health today. For more tips on living a healthy lifestyle, make sure to check out our lifestyle blog!
