Vaping uses electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) to heat an e-liquid, which typically contains nicotine, propylene glycol (PG), and vegetable glycerin (VG), creating an aerosol that is inhaled. This process introduces chemical compounds directly into the body. Scientific evidence indicates that the components within the aerosol compromise the body’s most crucial systems for athletic performance: the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, alongside the mechanisms governing recovery.
Immediate Impact on Cardiovascular Function
The primary component affecting the circulatory system is nicotine, a stimulant that triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response. Acute use of a nicotine-containing vape causes a rapid increase in both heart rate and blood pressure. This immediate effect forces the heart to work harder at rest, reducing the efficiency of the cardiovascular system during exercise.
Nicotine also acts as a vasoconstrictor, causing blood vessels to narrow and increasing systemic vascular resistance. This constriction reduces the volume of blood delivered to working muscles, limiting the oxygen and nutrients needed for peak performance. Consequently, vapers often exhibit a lower peak oxygen consumption (\(\text{V̇o}_2\text{peak}\)) and impaired skeletal muscle oxygen utilization, undermining endurance and cardiorespiratory fitness.
Respiratory System Compromise
The inhaled aerosol directly irritates and inflames the delicate lining of the airways, which is critical for efficient gas exchange. Propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), the main solvents in e-liquids, are not inert when aerosolized. The irritation caused by PG and VG can lead to the overproduction of mucus, which contributes to congestion and reduced lung ventilation.
This inflammation and mucus impede the mucociliary escalator, the lung’s natural self-cleaning mechanism. The greatest impact on athletic endurance stems from a reduced diffusing capacity, which measures how effectively oxygen moves from the lungs into the bloodstream. By compromising the lung’s ability to transfer oxygen, vaping directly limits \(\text{V̇o}_2\text{peak}\) and overall stamina. Furthermore, the heating coils in vaping devices can release toxic heavy metals such as nickel, chromium, and lead into the aerosol, which can accumulate in the lungs and contribute to chronic inflammation and reduced lung function over time.
Hindrance of Recovery and Adaptation
Athletic progress relies on efficient recovery. However, vaping introduces systemic oxidative stress, which generates unstable molecules that damage cells and prolong the inflammatory response. Chronic oxidative stress can interfere with the cellular repair processes necessary for muscle hypertrophy and strength gains, making it harder for the body to adapt positively to training loads.
Nicotine also affects the endocrine system, with some evidence suggesting it can elevate cortisol, a stress hormone, while potentially reducing testosterone levels, both detrimental to muscle repair and growth. Furthermore, nicotine dependence can disrupt sleep quality, a fundamental pillar of athletic recovery. Sleep disturbances, including increased arousals and reduced sleep maintenance, are common symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, which compromises the deep rest periods necessary for physical and hormonal restoration. Nicotine interference with the biological mechanisms of adaptation can reduce maximal muscle force production and prevent full recovery of muscle tissue after injury.