Vaping is considered to be the ‘safer’ non-tobacco version of smoking. But do you know that the electronic form of nicotine with flavours can affect your blood pressure levels? My Kolkata talked to doctors in Kolkata and beyond to find out what vaping can do to the body.
Dr Anjan Siotia, Head of the Department of Cardiology, BM Birla Heart Hospital, Kolkata, highlights that hypertension is one of the top underestimated diseases in India.
“Smoking and vaping are increasingly emerging as major contributors to high blood pressure and early cardiovascular disease among young adults. Many individuals in their 20s and 30s believe occasional smoking or vaping is relatively harmless, especially when compared to traditional long-term tobacco use,” said Siotia.
“However, both nicotine-based cigarettes and e-cigarettes can have a significant impact on blood vessels, heart rate, and blood pressure even in younger individuals,” added Siotia.
Nicotine stimulates the release of adrenaline, which causes the blood vessels to constrict and the heart to work harder. This results in a temporary spike in blood pressure and heart rate, but with repeated exposure, the damage gradually becomes long-term.
Over time, smoking and vaping contribute to vascular stiffness, inflammation, reduced oxygen supply, and accelerated ageing of blood vessels, all of which increase the risk of hypertension, heart attacks, and stroke, doctors say.
Dr Sanjeev Chaudhary, Chairman- Department of Cardiology, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, says vaping is often marketed as a “safer” alternative to smoking, but its effects on blood pressure and heart health are far from harmless.
“Vaping aerosols also contain ultrafine particles, heavy metals, and chemical flavouring agents that trigger inflammation and oxidative stress. These processes damage blood vessels and may accelerate atherosclerosis,” said Chaudhary.
“A common misconception is that nicotine-free vaping is completely safe. While the absence of nicotine reduces the BP spike, many vapour chemicals can still irritate blood vessels and affect vascular health. For young adults, frequent vaping may silently set the stage for future hypertension and cardiovascular disease long before symptoms appear,” added Chaudhary.
Studies show that even a single vaping session can temporarily stiffen arteries and impair endothelial function, the delicate inner lining of blood vessels responsible for maintaining healthy circulation. Over time, repeated exposure may contribute to persistent hypertension, especially in people already at risk due to obesity, diabetes, stress, or family history, opined the doctors.