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ASSESSING THE CARDIOVASCULAR FUNCTION IN COLLEGE STUDENTS THAT CHRONICALLY USE ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES

Abstract

Bingham L, Grupp S, Landers S, Silenzi N, Crosswhite, P.

Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA.

The use of electronic (e)-cigarettes, or vaping, is a growing phenomenon in the United States but the impact of e-cigarettes on health have not been thoroughly studied, especially in college students. PURPOSE: To examine cardiovascular function of undergraduate Gonzaga University students that engage in chronic e-cigarette use. METHODS: Male and female students (n=8 e-cigarette users, n=8 non-users) were recruited to participate. Anthropometric data was collected and all subjects completed a questionnaire that asked about e-cigarette use and other health habits. All subjects then underwent an electrocardiograph (ECG) and ultrasound imaging of the carotid artery and heart (parasternal (PLAX) and apical five-chamber) at rest. RESULTS: The mean heart rate at rest was lower in non-users (64.63±14.34 bpm) than e-cigarette users (75.50±15.81 bpm, p<0.05). Systolic blood pressure was also higher in in e-cigarette users (123.25±12.60 mmHg) compared to non-users (115.13±7.90 mmHg, p<0.05). Diastolic blood pressure for non-users was significantly lower (69.25±16.37 mmHg) compared to e-cigarette users (78.38±12.16 mmHg, p<0.05). Cardiac output in e-cigarette users (4.15±0.63 L/min) was lower than non-users (5.24±1.32 L/min) but not significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Initial analysis suggests that chronic use of e-cigarettes may negatively impact cardiovascular function in college students, but additional subjects are needed to confirm our observations. Provided the variety of chemicals and different amounts of nicotine used in e-cigarette devices, identifying any single causative agent would be challenging and would require studies that control the specific type and amount of e-cigarette products used by subjects.

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