ANAHEIM, the United States, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) such as e-cigarettes, affect heart rhythm and cardiovascular function in mice, according to preliminary research presented on Sunday at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2017 in Anaheim, California.
In addition to nicotine, e-cigarette products usually contain propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerin, which are commonly used to limit moisture loss in skin lotions or as food additives, but the health effects of heating and inhaling these substances are unknown.
In this study, which is funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, researchers say they examined the cardiovascular effects of e-cigarette aerosols relative to traditional cigarettes in mice and found exposure to ENDS aerosol or traditional cigarette smoke rapidly slowed the heart rate (bradycardia) in mice.
These findings suggest that exposure to ENDS aerosols may trigger cardiovascular effects and may increase the risks of developing irregular heart rhythm and overall cardiovascular disease.
Further studies are needed to explore these effects in humans using ENDS, researchers say in a news release.
AHA's Scientific Sessions, a premier global exchange of the latest advances in cardiovascular science for researchers and clinicians, attracts nearly 18,000 attendees, with a global presence from more than 100 countries.
