Regular daily nicotine vaping is linked to impaired vascular function and lower cardiorespiratory fitness in young adults who have never smoked combustible tobacco, according to a new study. The research raises concerns about potential cardiovascular risks even among non-smokers using nicotine vapes.
The cross-sectional study, conducted between July 2023 and April 2025, examined 58 young adults with a mean age of 26 years. Participants were divided into three groups: 17 exclusive nicotine vape users, 19 combustible cigarette smokers, and 22 never-users of tobacco or vapes. Researchers evaluated vascular function using flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and carotid artery reactivity (CAR), alongside cardiorespiratory fitness through maximal exercise testing.
Results revealed significant differences in vascular health. FMD averaged 5.5% among vape users and 4.4% among smokers, compared to 8.3% in never-users. Carotid artery reactivity was similarly lower in vapers (0.6%) and smokers (-1.4%) than in the control group (4.7%). Peak oxygen uptake, a key indicator of fitness, was reduced in these individuals versus never-users, suggesting compromised cardiorespiratory capacity.
Vapers and smokers also showed lower minute ventilation and cardiac output during exercise, mirroring patterns seen in established smokers. These findings align with prior research linking nicotine to vascular constriction and reduced blood flow, though the study’s small sample size and observational design limit conclusions about long-term effects.
Lung function and physical activity levels showed no significant differences across groups, indicating the observed cardiovascular changes are not tied to general respiratory impairment or reduced activity. The similarity in vascular metrics between vape users and smokers is particularly concerning, suggesting nicotine vaping may pose comparable risks to traditional cigarettes despite public perception of safety.
However, the study’s cross-sectional nature prevents causal inferences. Researchers emphasize the need for larger, longitudinal studies to determine whether these early changes progress to clinical cardiovascular disease. The findings add to growing evidence that nicotine delivery devices may impact vascular health, even in otherwise healthy individuals.
If sustained over time, these physiological shifts could contribute to hypertension, atherosclerosis, or reduced exercise tolerance. Yet without tracking participants longitudinally, it remains unclear whether vaping’s effects are reversible or cumulative. The study’s limitations also include its focus on young adults, leaving questions about older populations or those with pre-existing conditions.
The authors caution that while vaping may seem less harmful than smoking, its cardiovascular implications warrant closer scrutiny. As nicotine delivery devices gain popularity, understanding their health impacts in non-smokers becomes increasingly urgent.
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