A single use of heated tobacco products causes immediate blood vessel damage and DNA changes, according to a 2026 study in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.
Single heated tobacco use harms blood vessels
A single session of using heated tobacco products, which are marketed as a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes, has been shown to damage blood vessels and alter DNA, according to a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology in 2026.Study conducted on healthy smokers
Researchers from the University Hospital of Mainz in Germany conducted the study on 30 healthy smokers, on average 34 years old. Participants provided blood samples, blood pressure measurements, and ultrasound scans of the main artery in the right arm before and after using two sticks of tobacco in a heating device.Immediate cardiovascular effects observed
The study found that systolic blood pressure increased by 3 millimeters of mercury after the session. Additionally, the arteries' ability to dilate in response to blood flow decreased by 11%, indicating a negative impact on vascular function.Oxygen distribution and DNA damage
The proportion of oxygen carried to the heart by venous blood dropped from about 71% to 46%, suggesting a disruption in oxygen distribution throughout the body. The study also identified breaks in the DNA of blood cells, along with oxidative stress, which indicates cellular damage and an overburdened response to harmful molecules.
