Information uncovered by researchers from the Cardiac and LUng E-cig Smoking (CLUES) Study found that young adults who vape and people who smoke cigarettes experience cardiovascular changes that are of concern.

The study was conducted between March 2019 to March 2022, its main aim to identify the short-term effects of vaping and cigarette smoking in regular nicotine users, compared to those who do not use nicotine products.

Vaping is the practice of inhaling and exhaling vapour containing nicotine that is flavoured. Previously it was considered to be healthier than smoking but this study suggests otherwise.

“Immediately after vaping or smoking, there were worrisome changes in blood pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability and blood vessel tone (constriction),” said lead study author Matthew C. Tattersall.

Researchers measured the blood pressure and heart rate of those who vaped and smoked before and 10 minutes after they used the nicotine products.

According to the report, participants who smoked or vaped experienced an approximately four beat per minute (bpm) increase in heart rate after vaping or smoking. Their blood pressures also increased from from approximately 122/72 mm Hg to approximately 127/77 mm Hg.

“These findings suggest worse cardiovascular disease risk factors right after vaping or smoking,” added Tattersall.

The study also consisted of an exercise test which saw persons who smoked or vaped failing all the tests.

For these participants, the research indicates their heart rate recovered slower compared to those who do not smoke or vape and their heart had to work even harder at peak levels during the exercise.

“The exercise performance of those who vaped was not significantly different than people who used combustible cigarettes, even though they had vaped for fewer years than the people who smoked and were much younger,” said Tattersall.

He added that these findings are concerning, especially since vaping has become more common among youths.

Vaping has also become a popular activity for some youths in Jamaica.

A recent analysis by the Ministry of Health and Wellness found that vaping was among the top three drugs on the rise in schools.

Uki Atkinson, research analysis at the National Council on Drug Abuse, also shared this was because there is now an ease of access to e-cigarettes for young people.

She noted that, in the past, vaping was considered an ‘uptown thing’ but now that is not the reality as it is being practised by students in rural and urban areas and no longer subjected to economic background.

The two other drugs identified by the ministry, the use of which is on the rise, were molly and edibles.

Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton noted that the ministry would continue to assess the issue, conduct further studies and create a strategic response in terms of policy adjustment.