Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Effects of Using E-Cigarettes and Vaporizers
File(s)
Date
2019Author
Pellmann, Emilie
Kmecheck, Christiana
Varney, Hannah
Howser, Lisa
Barraza, Miguel
Publisher
Journal of Advanced Student Sciences (JASS)
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Currently, the use of electronic cigarettes and vaporizers is increasing. Research into the
effects of these relatively new smoking devices will add to the body of knowledge concerning
the impact that e-cigarettes may have on physiological health. In this study, we aimed to evaluate
cardiovascular and pulmonary physiological differences between non-smokers and smokers
through four measurements: peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2
), respiration rate (RR),
blood pressure (BP), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1
) and forced vital capacity
(FVC). We hypothesized that e-cigarette smokers would have increased RR and BP while at rest
and lower ratios of FEV1
/FVC compared to non-smokers. The 53 participants were divided into
four groups: non-smoker (n=28), only marijuana smoker (n=11), combination e-cigarette smoker
(n=9) and only e-cigarette smoker (n=5). Results indicate that RR, FEV1
/FVC, and BP were not
significantly different when comparing the combination e-cigarette smoker and only e-cigarette
smoker groups to the non-smoker control population. Diastolic BP data were found to be
significantly increased when comparing the only marijuana smoker group to non-smokers
(p=0.011). We note that the mean diastolic BP data were increased in the only e-cigarette smoker
group compared to the non-smoker control population, and this results approached significance
(p=0.056). Even though our hypotheses are not well supported, the results of near significant
differences suggest the need for further experimentation with a greater sample size. With the
potential risks that accompany the inhalation of any smoke or chemical, it is necessary to
research the impacts on physiological functioning.
Subject
blood pressure
e-cigarettes
forced expiratory volume
forced vital capacity
marijuana
nicotine
respiration
smoking
spirometry
vaporizers
Permanent Link
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/82014Description
An article that appeared in JASS, issue 2019