Vaping Dangers: Heavy Metals & Heart Risks Warned by Experts

Experts who have long cautioned about the potential dangers of vaping are once again ringing alarm bells, particularly in the wake of a recent study that found alarmingly high levels of heavy metals in vape aerosol. Researchers from the University of California, Davis, were so surprised by the high levels of metals like lead and nickel detected in vape mist during their recent study that they initially thought their equipment was malfunctioning.

While the precise long-term health implications of vaping remain under investigation due to its relative newness, doctors are increasingly advising serious caution. As reported by the New York Times, cardiovascular expert Dr. James Stein of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine warns that vaping places significant stress on the cardiovascular system. The nicotine delivery leads to an increased heart rate and constricted blood vessels, which can result in sustained high blood pressure for frequent users. This strain on the heart can increase the risk of an irregular heartbeat condition known as atrial fibrillation, a stroke, or even a heart attack.

Dr. Stein also highlighted the damage vaping can cause to the lungs, which are closely linked to the heart via the circulatory system and often implicated in heart disorders. He noted that vaping is known to cause shortness of breath and a persistent cough due to the chronic inflammation associated with it. Vaping can also worsen symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This adds to long-standing concerns about vaping’s link to bronchiolitis obliterans, better known as “popcorn lung,” a connection that has been discussed for nearly a decade.

Irfan Rahman, a nicotine researcher at the University of Rochester Medicine, told the NYT that vapes release more harmful chemicals the hotter they get, which in turn harm blood vessels, promote inflammation, and increase the risk of heart disease. Dr. Stein characterized the choice to vape as a matter of common sense: “Your mom would tell you that a superheated chemical inhaling right into your lungs isn’t going to be good.”