Vaping & Varicose Veins: The Ugly Truth
A recent study suggests e-cigarettes could be just as harmful to your veins as regular cigarettes.
Since its introduction in 2007, vaping has steadily gained popularity, especially among teenagers. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated 1.5 million more high school and middle school students used e-cigarettes in 2018 when compared to the prior year.
Instead of tobacco smoke, e-cigarettes emit a water vapor. E-cigarettes don’t contain tobacco, which has persuaded many young people to believe they are safer than regular cigarettes. However, vaping products consist of propylene glycol or a vegetable glycerin-based liquid mixed with nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. These mysterious and potentially-harmful additives have led researchers to investigate the negative effects of vaping on various parts of the body.
So far, most of the discussion regarding the possible health effects of vaping has focused on the lungs. However, according to one recent study, vaping could be just as harmful to veins as regular smoking.
Vaping & Veins: What’s the big deal?
Researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania have been studying the possible effect the additives in e-cigarettes may have on the vascular system. The study, published in the journal, Radiology, in August 2019, analyzed the effects of e-cigarettes on 31 non-smoking adults.
In their study, researchers measured blood flow through the femoral (major) artery and vein in the leg by clasping a cuff around the thigh of participants for a few minutes to restrict blood flow. Researchers then monitored their blood flow with an MRI. Once the cuff was removed, blood flow sped up to compensate for the temporary lack of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Within a minute, blood flow returned to its normal speed.
They then repeated the process after participants had puffed on a nicotine-free e-cigarette. The MRI showed that after vaping, the blood vessels failed to widen to accommodate a rush of blood. After vaping, the participants’ blood vessels were 34% less dilated on average than before they smoked an e-cigarette. In addition, accelerated blood flow decreased by 25.8%, and the amount of oxygen in the blood vessels declined by 20%.
The effect of regular smoking on vein health is well-documented. Carbon monoxide and nicotine restrict blood movement in the veins, leading to clogged arteries in the leg. But this recent study suggests that e-cigarettes, even without nicotine, could also damage veins.
Anytime blood movement is slowed, it can lead to pooled blood that causes varicose veins.
The researchers did point out that these negative effects were short-lived, and blood flow returned to normal an hour after vaping. Since vaping is a relatively new trend, more study is needed to determine the long-term impact of vaping on veins.
Caring for Your Veins
To maintain or improve vein health, quitting smoking is one of the best steps you can take. However, you may want to consider not using e-cigarettes, too, in light of these recent findings.
At Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Center, our top priority is your vein health. Dr. Mario Gonzalez and his team are the premier vein specialty medical practice in Fresno and in the entire Central Valley of California. No other vein center can offer you the years of experience, the courteous professionalism, and the medical expertise that is available at Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center. Contact us today to set up a consultation appointment.
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 today to set up a consultation appointment.