Daily nicotine e-cigarette use impairs vascular function and physical endurance in healthy young adults, according to research published on October 21, 2026, in JAMA Cardiology. Conducted by lead author Dr. Maxime Boidin alongside Hans Degens and Rehan T. Junejo, the trial evaluated individuals who lacked conventional cardiovascular risk factors.
The single-center clinical evaluation ran from July 2023 to April 2025, tracking 58 volunteers with a mean age of 26. Researchers evaluated blood vessel mechanics and metabolic performance during physical exertion across three specific cohorts.
| Cohort Group | Participant Count | Flow-Mediated Dilation | Peak Oxygen Uptake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nicotine Vape Users | 17 | Reduced | Lowest observed level |
| Cigarette Smokers | 19 | Reduced | Moderate reduction |
| Non-Users (Control) | 22 | Baseline (Normal) | Baseline (Normal) |
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Test Results
Laboratory measurements revealed that both e-cigarette users and traditional cigarette smokers experienced diminished flow-mediated dilation and a blunted compensatory hyperemic response relative to non-users. These markers point to early vascular stiffness and altered arterial lining performance, even in young bodies without diagnosed illness.
During maximal treadmill exertion tests, exclusive vape users registered lower peak oxygen consumption (VO2 max) than the non-smoking control group. While cigarette smokers also showed downward trends, the gap between traditional smokers and non-users did not reach statistical certainty.
Both smoking and vaping cohorts registered lower minute ventilation and reduced cardiac output under physical strain. Baseline lung function tests and routine physical activity levels remained comparable across all three groups, isolating the chemical exposure as the primary performance differentiator.
Research Scope and Study Limitations
The study authors emphasized that habitual nicotine vaping alters arterial responsiveness and lowers aerobic capacity in young people who have never consumed combustible tobacco. These findings counter the perception that nicotine vapor leaves athletic endurance unaffected.
Because the investigation relied on a cross-sectional design with a sample of 58 participants, the researchers noted that the data cannot establish direct medical causality or predict long-term clinical prognosis. Dr. Boidin and his team stated that multi-year longitudinal studies are required to track whether these vascular deficits progress into permanent cardiovascular disorders.
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