E-cigarette liquids have been found to contain ingredients that can slow down heart rate and affect the heart’s conduction system, potentially leading to sudden cardiac arrest. These liquids are made up of various carrier substances that bind nicotine and flavors. While the health risks of these substances have only been partially studied, a study by Duke University School of Medicine found that many liquids contain the carcinogenic chemical Pulegone. The World Health Organization has also issued warnings about the risks of e-cigarettes. Now, researchers from the University of Kentucky have published a study in the journal Nature Communications, showing that different ingredients in e-cigarette liquids can affect heart function.
The researchers, led by Alex Carll from the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, discovered this during experiments with mice. Problematic ingredients can cause a significant slowing of heart rate (bradycardia) in combination with an increase in heart rate variability. These effects are likely caused by a reversible modulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which normally does not pose health risks. Additionally, the researchers found clear evidence that the liquids have a direct effect on the heart’s conduction system, which can cause heart rhythm disturbances. The most dangerous aspect is that the liquids can trigger disturbances in the heart’s ventricles, potentially leading to sudden cardiac arrest.
While no deaths occurred in the experiments with mice, male mice showed an increased risk of ventricular extrasystoles, which are an early warning sign of impending cardiac arrest, particularly when exposed to menthol flavors and propylene glycol. The study highlights the need for further research into the health risks of e-cigarette liquids and the need for regulation to protect consumers. As e-cigarettes continue to grow in popularity, it is important to understand the potential risks associated with their use.
