Dual use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes is associated with higher diastolic blood pressure in adolescents: The School*Vape*Science study
Mareike Lüthgen, Annika Burgard, Maike Truempelmann, Paul Axt, Henrike A Faesser, Tobias Jagomast, Daniel Drömann, Folke Brinkmann, Loana Penner, Klaas F FranzenBackground:
E-cigarette use is increasing significantly worldwide, particularly among young people. However, the cardiovascular impact of nicotine exposure during adolescence remains unclear. Although cigarette and e-cigarette use are known to increase arterial stiffness in adults, data from younger populations are lacking. Early vascular alterations may indicate a premature cardiovascular risk.
Methods:
In a cross-sectional study, we assessed arterial stiffness and central hemodynamics using the Mobil-O-Graph device (IEM GmbH). Smoking and vaping behaviors were evaluated using standardized questionnaires. The participants were classified according to the frequency and combination of cigarette and e-cigarette use.
Results:
From 444 involved school-aged adolescents (median age: 15.0 years), 5.0% reported e-cigarette consumption and 4.5% dual use. The adolescents reporting dual use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes exhibited significantly higher peripheral diastolic blood pressure than those with infrequent (< 1 per week) or no nicotine use (
Conclusions:
Dual exposure to combustible and electronic nicotine products was associated with higher diastolic blood pressure among adolescents in this cohort. These findings suggest that nicotine-induced vascular changes may occur earlier in life than previously recognized. Preventive interventions targeting youth are needed to mitigate long-term cardiovascular risks.