Whether vaping without nicotine (0mg vaping) affects blood pressure is a common question for those avoiding nicotine’s cardiovascular risks. Nicotine-free e-liquids contain a complex mixture of substances, primarily Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG), which serve as base solvents, along with various chemical flavorings. These components are heated to create an aerosol, and the health effects of inhaling this mixture are distinct from the effects of nicotine itself. While the immediate blood pressure spikes associated with nicotine may be absent, research suggests that 0mg vaping is not biologically inert and can still impact the cardiovascular system. The focus must shift from nicotine’s direct stimulant effect to examining the physiological responses caused by the non-nicotine ingredients and the inhalation process.
How Nicotine Affects Blood Pressure
Nicotine is a potent stimulant of the cardiovascular system, primarily acting on the sympathetic nervous system. When nicotine enters the bloodstream, it triggers the release of stress hormones, such as epinephrine and norepinephrine, which mediate the body’s “fight-or-flight” response. This hormonal surge causes the heart to beat faster and with greater force, increasing the heart rate and overall cardiac output.
Nicotine also causes systemic vasoconstriction, constricting the blood vessels outside of the heart. The narrowing of these blood vessels forces the heart to pump harder to push blood through restricted pathways, directly increasing blood pressure. These effects are rapid and temporary, typically lasting 15 to 30 minutes following a single exposure. Consistent exposure to nicotine throughout the day, however, can result in a chronically elevated average blood pressure.
Immediate Cardiovascular Response to 0mg Vaping
Acute studies investigating the immediate effects of 0mg vaping show that while the large, sustained spikes caused by nicotine are generally avoided, a measurable physiological response still occurs. Research indicates that inhaling a nicotine-free aerosol can cause a transient increase in heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure during the exposure period. These minor, short-lived elevations may be partially attributed to the physical act of inhalation itself or the temporary stress from inhaling a heated substance.
Vascular Impairment
The most significant acute finding is the immediate impact on the function of the blood vessels, independent of blood pressure measurements. Studies using advanced imaging techniques, like MRI, have shown that a single session of vaping a nicotine-free e-cigarette can acutely impair the ability of major arteries to dilate. For instance, one study observed an average reduction of 34% in the dilation capability of the femoral artery immediately after participants vaped a nicotine-free e-liquid. This suggests that 0mg vaping causes an immediate reduction in blood flow and vascular function, even if systemic blood pressure remains largely unaffected.
Physiological Stressors
This impairment of vascular function is a concerning physiological change, representing a disruption in the blood vessels’ normal ability to relax and regulate blood flow. Researchers have also noted that 0mg vaping can lead to an immediate decrease in venous oxygen saturation, indicating a potential drop in oxygen uptake after use. These acute changes demonstrate that the aerosol is not harmless water vapor, but rather a mixture that immediately stresses the vascular system, even without the presence of nicotine.
Impact of E-Liquid Components on Vascular Function
The longer-term risks of 0mg vaping center on the cumulative damage caused by non-nicotine components to the endothelium, the delicate inner lining of the blood vessels. This damage leads to endothelial dysfunction, an early precursor to hypertension and broader cardiovascular disease. The heated base components, PG and VG, can degrade into toxic substances when vaporized, including reactive carbonyl compounds like formaldehyde and acrolein.
These toxic compounds trigger oxidative stress and inflammation within the vascular system, reducing the bioavailability of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide signals muscle cells to relax, allowing blood vessels to widen and blood pressure to lower. When nitric oxide effectiveness is impaired by aerosolized chemicals, blood vessels lose their ability to properly regulate blood flow, leading to increased stiffness and a higher risk of developing sustained high blood pressure.
Role of Particulate Matter and Flavorings
The heating element generates ultra-fine particulate matter that is inhaled deep into the lungs and can enter the bloodstream. These microscopic particles contribute to systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, further exacerbating damage to the endothelium. Specific flavorings commonly used in e-liquids have been shown to be particularly toxic to endothelial cells, even without nicotine. These flavorings can impair cell viability and reduce nitric oxide production, suggesting the flavor profile of a 0mg e-liquid may directly influence its potential for vascular harm.