Source : Perth Now news
A key ingredient used in popular vape flavours could disrupt the heart’s natural rhythm and even increase the risk of cardiac arrest.
Researchers from the University of Louisville in Kentucky found that synthetic cooling agents commonly used in menthol and “ice” flavoured e-cigarettes may have harmful effects on the cardiovascular system.
The chemicals are designed to make vapour feel smoother and less harsh when inhaled, but little has been known about their long-term health impact.
Tests carried out on mice and human heart cells in laboratory conditions revealed the cooling ingredients altered heart rate variability, the time between heartbeats.
The changes increased the likelihood of arrhythmias, causing the heart to beat too early or too late.
Scientists warned that such disturbances could contribute to serious complications including high blood pressure, an elevated heart rate and, in extreme cases, potentially fatal cardiac arrest.
The findings were published in the journal Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology.
Dr Alex Carll, study author, said: “Synthetic coolants create a chilling sensation without flavour so they fall outside of e-cigarette restrictions that focus on flavours.
“They have become really popular in vapes, partly because they reduce harshness and make inhalation feel smoother.
“These findings suggest they could cause arrhythmias by making the heart electrically ready too soon or too late for the next beat.
“In general, we’ve seen tobacco-flavored vapes do not disrupt cardiac conduction in mice as much as vapes with either menthol or synthetic coolants.
“Coolants are added to e-cigarettes at very high levels so they should be considered for regulation.”
