The Effects of Vaping on Your Veins

Since their emergence in the early 2000s, e-cigarettes have become quite popular among teenagers and working professionals alike. It’s likely you’ve seen some of your coworkers vaping outside (or even inside) the office, or tried one yourself.?

Some people assume that because they produce water vapour, they are the “safe alternative” to conventional smoking. But while they may be safer, they do still carry risk.

Vaping contains a cocktail of chemicals that can damage the veins

Because regular cigarettes have been around much longer, their ill effects are more widely known. In addition to damaging your lungs, smoking can impair your circulatory system and contribute to varicose veins, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), and even coronary artery disease.

But one thing many people may not know is that e-cigarettes contain a toxic brew of chemicals — propylene glycol or a vegetable glycerin liquid mixed with nicotine, flavourings, and other synthetic substances.?

How does smoking damage the veins?

The main culprits in tobacco smoke are carbon monoxide and nicotine, both of which have been shown to restrict blood circulation, particularly to the legs. When the veins cannot pump blood properly from the legs back to the heart, varicose veins may occur.

Smoking can also encourage the formation of blood clots deep in your leg veins, also known as DVT or deep vein thrombosis. DVT can be life-threatening if the clot travels to the lungs and develops into a pulmonary embolism.

Can vaping cause varicose veins?

Vaping won't directly cause varicose veins as it's largely genetic, but it can exacerbate your risk of developing them. Findings from a study published in The Journal of Radiology show that shortly after exposure, the harmful chemicals in e-cigarettes temporarily “impacted endothelial function in healthy non-smokers.”

According to the researchers, there was an average of 34% reduction in the femoral artery’s dilation, a 17.5% reduction in peak blood flow, a 20% reduction in venous oxygen, and a 25.8% reduction in blood acceleration after the cuff release — the speed at which the blood returned to the normal flow after being constricted.”

In other words: these findings suggest that vaping, even just once, can lead to immediate (but temporary) changes that can impair blood vessel function.

Even without nicotine, vaping can slow blood flow. The impact can be attributed to the harmful effects of heating up propylene glycol and other toxic chemicals to high temperatures.

If vaping turns into a habit, the effects will start to stack up and exacerbate your risk of developing varicose veins.?

Seek expert advice

Several factors contribute to the development of varicose veins, including genetics, age, and occupation. However, incorporating healthy habits into your lifestyle can reduce your risk, including avoiding substances that can impair proper vein function and health.

If you find yourself exhibiting any of these varicose vein symptoms, it’s best to get yourself checked by a medical professional.?

The doctors at The Vein Institute specialise in minimally-invasive treatments for varicose veins. With our comprehensive treatment program, you’ll enjoy benefits such as a walk-in walk-out treatment with little to no downtime.

To book a consultation and discuss our treatment program, call us at 13-VEINS (that’s 13 83467) or fill out this form.