Examining the Relationship Between Pulse Wave Characteristics and Components of Body Composition Among College Aged Vapers and Non-vapers

Abstract Background The purpose of this investigation was to examine the relationship between pulse wave characteristics (i.e., pulse wave velocity and pulse wave analysis) and body composition (i.e., body fat percentage [BF%], visceral fat percentage [VF%], and bone mineral density [BMD]) among college-aged vapers and non-vapers. Seventy-four females were classified as a vaper or non-vaper and completed a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scan and arterial stiffness assessment. All body composition variables were collapsed into tertiles (i.e., low, moderate and high) and separate two-way, 2 (Group [vaper, non-vaper]) × 3 (Rank [low, moderate, high]) ANOVAs were performed. Results There were significant ( p = 0.005–0.031) interactions for VF%, whereby greater brachial diastolic blood pressure (BDBP), central diastolic blood pressure (CDBP), and central mean arterial pressure (CMAP) was observed among vapers classified has High VF% (77.9 ± 8.9 mmHg, 78.5 ± 9.0 mmHg, 93.5 ± 9.4 mmHg, respectively) compared to Moderate VF% (66.5 ± 9.3 mmHg, 67.5 ± 9.4 mmHg, 81.5 ± 8.9 mmHg, respectively). For BMD, there were significant ( p = 0.010–0.040) main effects of Rank, whereby, BDBP and CDBP were greater among Low BMD (75.1 ± 7.2 mmHg and 76.4 ± 7.2 mmHg, respectively) compared to Moderate BMD (71.3 ± 6.6 mmHg and 72.0 ± 6.6 mmHg, respectively). Conclusion Greater VF%, along with vaping status induced adverse values for pulse wave characteristics, while BF% and BMD did not have a relationship with vaping status. Additionally, there were no differences among non-vapers with high VF%, suggesting vaping status further impacts pulse wave characteristics.