Cardiovascular functions and arterial stiffness after JUUL use

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Tobacco Harm Reduction
• Public Health

Background:

• The proliferation of e-cigarettes, including JUUL devices, necessitates research into their cardiovascular effects compared to combustible cigarettes.
• Assessing cardiovascular surrogate parameters is crucial for understanding the risks associated with various nicotine products.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the acute cardiovascular effects of JUUL e-cigarettes (new and old technology) with combustible cigarettes.
• To evaluate changes in blood pressure and arterial stiffness parameters following product use.

Main Methods:

• A single-center, three-arm study involving 32 participants (smokers and vapers).
• Measurements of peripheral and central blood pressures and arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity, augmentation index) were taken before and after product use.
• Comparison between combustible cigarettes and JUUL devices with old and new technology.

Main Results:

• Significant increases in peripheral systolic blood pressure, central blood pressure, and peripheral pulse rate were observed across all three groups.
• Arterial stiffness parameters, including augmentation index and pulse wave velocity, increased similarly in all groups.
• Heart rate changes persisted longer than blood pressure changes, independent of other factors.

Conclusions:

• Both JUUL use and cigarette smoking induce comparable changes in blood pressure and arterial stiffness.
• These physiological changes suggest a potential increase in cardiovascular risk.
• Further long-term studies are needed to evaluate JUUL use and compare it directly with conventional e-cigarettes.