Acute inhalation of vaporized nicotine increases arterial pressure in young non-smokers: a pilot study

Abstract

Purpose: Electronic cigarettes are growing in popularity, but the physiological consequences of vaporized nicotine are unknown. Methods: Twenty healthy non-smokers inhaled vaporized nicotine and placebo (randomized). Results: Nicotine inhalation was associated with higher arterial pressures in the seated position, and increased arterial pressures in the head-up positions with no other effects on autonomic control. Conclusions: Our results show that vaporized nicotine inhalation is not innocuous. Longitudinal studies in otherwise healthy non-smokers should be conducted.