Why Vaping Causes Dizziness: Tips to Lower Cardiovascular Risks

Understanding the Link Between Vaping and Dizziness

Vaping has rapidly grown in popularity as an alternative to smoking cigarettes. But with its rise, medical experts have also seen an uptick in reports of vaping side effects like headaches, nausea, and dizziness.

These symptoms indicate that vaping could be negatively impacting cardiovascular health. Nicotine and other chemicals inhaled have a direct effect on the heart and blood vessels, particularly with frequent use.

While concerning, there are ways to reduce health risks if you choose to vape. Being informed on safety precautions and listening to your body's signals is key.

Why Vaping Causes Lightheadedness and Dizziness

That sudden head rush and dizzy feeling after taking a draw from your vape pen stems from nicotine absorption.

When inhaled, nicotine is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and carried to receptors in the brain. This triggers a release of adrenaline and dopamine, the "feel good" chemicals.

Adrenaline acts to constrict blood vessels and spike heart rate and blood pressure. Meanwhile, circulation to the brain slows. It's these fast cardiovascular changes that leave some vapers feeling temporarily lightheaded.

Other Factors That Increase Risk

While nicotine is the main culprit, other common factors also raise chances of experiencing vaping-related dizziness:

• Taking longer, deeper draws to produce big vapor clouds.
• High nicotine e-liquid concentration.
• Holding vapor in lungs longer before exhaling.
• Vaping too frequently without breaks.
• Underlying medical conditions like low blood pressure or diabetes.
• Mixing caffeine, alcohol or medications with vaping.

These variables increase speed and volume of nicotine entering the bloodstream. They overload the cardiovascular system more drastically, making dips in blood flow to the brain more likely.

How Vaping Affects Your Heart and Vascular Health

While most vapers recover quickly after feeling lightheaded, ongoing use poses cardiovascular risks.

Doctors are still studying long-term effects, but evidence clearly links vaping to issues like elevated blood pressure, arterial damage and an irregular heartbeat.

Nicotine and Your Heart

The stimulating jolt of nicotine causes extra stress to heart muscle and blood vessels. It requires more effort to rapidly distribute oxygenated blood to different areas of the body.

Over time, these spikes in activity weaken heart muscle leading to problems like:

• Atherosclerosis - Hardened, clogged arteries
• Blood clots and poor circulation
• High blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeat from arrhythmias

Vaping Chemicals and Toxins

Aside from nicotine, vapor contains various other chemicals and metals from device components and e-liquid flavorings.

Inhaling these has toxic effects and is tied specifically to dysfunction in blood vessels and arteries:

• Formaldehyde - artery damage
• Diacetyl - popcorn lung
• Acrolein - blood clots
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) - arterial plaque
• Ultrafine Particles - reduced blood flow
• Heavy metals like nickel, tin and lead - hypertension

The vaporization process also creates carbonyls which some studies show accelerate cardiovascular disease more severely than cigarette smoke.

Minimizing Vaping Health Risks

While more research is still needed, evidence clearly shows vaping poses cardiovascular risks with long-term use.

If you choose to vape, you can take steps to minimize chances of medical issues:

Carefully Monitor Vitals

Pay attention to symptoms like racing heartbeat, fluttering sensations in the chest, lightheadedness or dizziness.

Track blood pressure with a cuff if you have one available. Elevated readings after vaping indicate it’s putting extra strain on your vascular system.

Avoid Overdoing Nicotine

Stick to low-dose nicotine e-liquid to curb dependence. Only take small, spread out puffs instead of chain vaping. This prevents sudden spikes that shock your circulation.

Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks

Vape in moderation and stay well hydrated to support circulation. Take hourly breaks after heavy use. Listen when your body says it’s time to put down the vape pen for a bit!

Consider Nicotine Alternatives

Try tapering nicotine levels down gradually or experiment with nicotine-free e-liquids. Brands like Zaero and Wholly use synthetic nicotine substitutes to mimic the throat hit minus side effects.

Have Checkups as Recommended

See your doctor regularly to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, circulation health and heart rhythms. Early detection of issues makes them more treatable.

When to Seek Emergency Care for Vaping Dizziness

In most cases, vaping side effects like dizziness or headaches quickly resolve after stopping use for the day and resting.

But certain severe or ongoing symptoms could signal bigger issues requiring prompt medical care:

• Racing, irregular heartbeat for 15+ minutes
• Chest pain, tightness or pressure
• Sudden trouble seeing, walking or speaking
• Headaches combined with numbness or weakness
• Uncontrolled shaking or tremors
• Collapsing or loss of consciousness

Experiencing any of these, call 911 or visit an Emergency Department immediately. Timely treatment is vital for preventing serious complications.

Underlying Conditions Raising Risk

Those diagnosed with the following conditions should use extreme caution or avoid vaping altogether due to higher chances of issues:

• Past heart attack or stroke
• Arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation
• Congestive heart failure
• Blood clot disorders
• Poor circulation or Reynaud’s Syndrome
• Diabetes

For those managing chronic diseases, even minor episodes of dizziness or headaches following vaping may necessitate an evaluation.

Considering Vaping Cessation

If lowering vaping frequency doesn’t resolve dizzy spells or vitals remain frequently abnormal, stopping completely may be your safest choice.

Enlisting Your Healthcare Provider’s Help

Don’t hesitate to bring up vaping concerns with your doctor. They can provide guidance on quitting and recommend prescription aids as needed to ease withdrawal.

Options to discuss may include:

• Nicotine patches
• Nicotine gum
• Non-nicotine medications
• Quitting counseling or support groups

Lifestyle Changes That Support Quitting

Adjustments like adding more exercise, taking up a hobby, or making dietary improvements can all help minimize cravings. Lean on loved ones for encouragement to stick with your cessation journey.

Apps like Quit Vape also provide useful quitting resources including savings trackers and peer community support.

Prioritizing Both Health and Happiness Post-Vaping

Dizziness serves as an important signal from your body that vaping too frequently taxes your cardiovascular health.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.