Does Vaping Harm Veins?
Vaping is widely marketed as a “safe” alternative to traditional cigarettes. Unfortunately, e-cigarettes still have nicotine, as well as substances such as propylene glycol and glycerol. Do chemicals from vaping damage your veins (including those in your legs, which could contribute to conditions such as varicose veins)?
How Do Chemicals from Normal Cigarettes Affect Your Veins?
Smoking is one of the best-known causes of heart disease. It has terrible effects on the circulatory system, which includes veins and arteries.
Swelling: Chemicals in cigarettes irritate the lining of blood vessels. This causes veins and arteries to become swollen and narrow.
Blood Clots: Different kinds of cigarette chemicals can cause blood clots to form, potentially causing a heart attack.
Artery Damage: Smoking weakens and damages blood vessels, even in teens. This can lead to serious vein problems later in life.
Blockage: Over time, cholesterol and other deposits build up inside veins and create plaque. People who smoke have higher levels of plaque.
If you want to keep your blood vessels in great health, avoid smoking at all costs. Can vaping lead to these same scary effects?
What Do Studies Say About Vein Damage from Vaping?
Since e-cigarettes are a fairly new invention it’s too early to know exactly how the chemicals in e-cigarette vapor will affect cardiovascular health long term. There aren’t as many studies available on the effects of e-cigarettes on a person. Preliminary findings, however, aren't good.
One recent European study found that vaping led to problems in the inner lining of blood vessels. It caused arteries to stiffen, making them more vulnerable to damage. Nicotine, present in all e-cigarettes, is proven to trigger a rapid heart rate and increased blood pressure.
What Effects Do E-Cigarettes Have on Blood Vessels?
What scientists do know is vaping causes swelling in blood vessels, at least temporarily. In one study, blood vessels swelled an average of 34%. In addition, blood flow slowed by over 25%.
When your blood slows, risks of developing varicose veins increase. Pooling blood puts excess pressure on veins, potentially damaging tiny valves that help with normal blood flow. Vaping appears to increase the risk of developing spider veins and varicose veins. If you already have these conditions, vein damage from vaping may make them worse.
Why are Varicose Veins a Problem?
Vaping affects vein health, including leg vein health. Varicose veins also cause significant pain, discomfort, itching, or throbbing. Sometimes, the pain is so bad it’s hard to sleep at night. Varicose veins shouldn’t be a problem for you if you follow the right plan of action.
What Should You Do if You’re Worried About Varicose Veins?
The first line of defense is to prevent spider veins or varicose veins from worsening. This often involves lifestyle commitments or adjustments. Here are some tips that can help:
Avoid standing or sitting for extended periods of time
Exercise regularly
Reduce the amount of salt you eat
Choose shoes with low or no heels
Don’t sit with your legs crossed
Don’t smoke or use e-cigarettes
To eliminate varicose veins and spider veins completely, you need the assistance of a medical professional.
Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center is the premier vein specialty medical practice in the Central Valley. Dr. Mario H. Gonzalez and his staff offer years of experience and medical expertise that you won’t find anywhere else. Contact us to set up a consultation appointment.