Vaping Linked to Higher Blood Pressure Risk as E-Cigarette Use Rises in UK

A groundbreaking study has revealed a concerning link between regular vaping and a heightened risk of high blood pressure, a major contributor to heart attacks and strokes. The findings, published in the *American Journal of Physiology*, come as British adults increasingly turn to e-cigarettes, with over 10% now regularly using the devices. While health authorities have long promoted vaping as a safer alternative to smoking, experts caution that the risks of nicotine addiction and long-term health impacts are far from negligible. The study adds urgency to ongoing debates about the safety of vaping, particularly as dual use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes continues to rise.

The research, conducted by the University of Exeter, analyzed data from 6,262 participants aged 12 to 80 in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Among them, 1,190 had used nicotine products in the past five days—whether through traditional smoking, vaping, or both. Participants' blood pressure, heart rate, and blood samples were measured, with elevated blood pressure defined as 120/70mmHg or higher, and hypertension as 140/90mmHg or above. Results showed that those who smoked or vaped had significantly higher blood pressure than non-smokers, with 46% greater odds of hypertension. Even exclusive vapers showed a 15% increased risk of elevated blood pressure, though the sample size made the finding statistically inconclusive.

The study highlights a critical concern: diastolic blood pressure—the pressure in arteries between heartbeats—was particularly affected by tobacco use. Professor Andrew Agbaje, a co-author of the study, explained that increased pressure could disrupt the heart's rest cycle, potentially leading to arrhythmia, heart failure, and heart attacks. Smokers and vapers in the study were also younger, had higher cholesterol and inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP), and more excess body fat than non-smokers. These factors compound the risk, with CRP levels indicating tissue damage linked to inflammation and heart disease.

Nicotine's role in raising cholesterol levels further elevates cardiovascular risk. The study confirms earlier hypotheses that smoking damages blood lipids, increasing free radical activity and blood pressure. Participants who used both cigarettes and vapes had the highest cholesterol levels, reinforcing the notion that dual use may exacerbate health risks. Professor Agbaje warned that if exclusive vape use tripled—which is not inconceivable given current trends—the link to hypertension would become statistically significant. He emphasized the need for long-term research comparing exclusive smokers, vapers, and dual users to understand additive effects.

Public health officials face a dilemma as vaping rates surge. The World Health Organization (WHO) has called evidence on e-cigarettes