Detrimental effects of electronic cigarettes on vascular function and ventilatory efficiency during exercise

Electronic cigarettes (E-Cig) have potential adverse health effects; however, their impact on ventilation and dyspnoea during exercise is unknown. <bold>Aim:</bold> To examine the chronic impact of E-Cig and tobacco cigarettes (TC) on vascular function, inflammatory markers, and cardiorespiratory responses during exercise. <bold>Methods:</bold> Three groups of young adults (20 each) with normal spirometry (E-Cig users, TC smokers, and never-smoker controls (NS)) underwent incremental cycle exercise test with measurement of blood lactate (BLa). Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD%) of the brachial artery was assessed using Doppler US. Blood samples were collected for inflammatory markers analysis. <bold>Results:</bold> Compared with NS, E-Cig and TC groups had lower peak exercise capacity, oxygen consumption, and ventilation (226±41 vs. 186±25; 182±33W, 3.0±0.7 vs. 2.7±0.6; 2.6±0.5L/min, 123±28 vs. 103±27; 103±26L/min, respectively; p<0.05 for all) and lower FMD (7.9±3.4% vs. 5.4±2.4; 4.6±2.9, p<0.05). Lower FMD in E-Cig and TC groups was associated with increased Thrombospondin-1. E-Cig and TC groups displayed similarly greater ventilation, lower ventilatory efficiency (higher VE/VCO2), higher Bla and were more breathless with intense leg fatigue during submaximal exercise compared to NS (Figure). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Like TC, E-Cig are associated with impaired resting vascular function, reduced ventilatory efficiency and amplified exertional dyspnoea. <fig><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/OA1954/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig>