Do Nicotine Salts Raise Blood Pressure More Than Freebase Nicotine?

The Effects of Salt Nicotine on Blood Pressure

Vaping has grown exponentially in popularity over the past decade, with proponents touting it as a safer alternative to traditional cigarette smoking. However, as vaping increases, so do concerns around its health effects, especially relating to heart health. One particular area of interest is whether the nicotine salts used in some vape juices can raise blood pressure.

What are Nicotine Salts?

Most modern vape juices contain freebase nicotine, which can sometimes give a harsh throat hit. Nicotine salts were developed as a smoother alternative, allowing higher nicotine concentrations without irritation. Nicotine salts are made by combining freebase nicotine with an acidic compound like benzoic acid. This stabilizes the nicotine molecules and makes them less volatile.

The two most popular types of nicotine salts are:

• Protonated nicotine lactate - created by mixing nicotine with lactic acid
• Nicotine benzoate - created by mixing nicotine with benzoic acid

Brands like JUUL helped popularize nicotine salts. Their discreet, easy-to-use devices deliver a strong nicotine hit from the nicotine salts. Salts provide a smoother vaping experience, allowing users to comfortably intake higher levels of nicotine.

How Nicotine Affects Blood Pressure

Nicotine acts as a stimulant, triggering the release of adrenaline. This causes a spike in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. The acute cardiovascular effects of nicotine include:

• Increased heart rate - by around 10 to 20 BPM on average
• Increased blood pressure - systolic by 5 to 10 mmHg, diastolic by 5 mmHg
• Constricted arteries
• Increased blood levels of glucose and insulin

These effects occur rapidly but are transient. They peak within 15 to 30 minutes of inhaling nicotine, then dissipate over the next hour as nicotine is metabolized and cleared from the bloodstream.

Over the long-term, nicotine triggers the release of adrenaline more frequently, placing extra stress on the cardiovascular system. This is concerning as high adrenaline is linked to conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Do Nicotine Salts Have Greater Effects on Blood Pressure?

Some speculate that nicotine salts may raise blood pressure more than freebase nicotine. This is because salts allow vapers to comfortably intake higher doses of nicotine.

For example, a typical JUUL pod contains ~40 mg of nicotine salt. This would equate to around 20 cigarettes worth of nicotine. Someone able to consume multiple JUUL pods per day could be exposed to extreme levels of nicotine.

Higher nicotine equals greater stimulation of adrenaline - potentially driving up blood pressure further. However, it's worth noting that blood nicotine levels peak at a certain point. Consuming extreme amounts of nicotine salts may not directly translate to proportionally higher blood pressure effects.

Studies Investigating Nicotine Salts and Blood Pressure

Currently, there is limited research directly comparing the cardiovascular effects of nicotine salts vs freebase nicotine. However, a few studies provide early insights:

• A 2018 study exposed mice to nicotine salts or freebase nicotine. Nicotine salts caused a more rapid onset of locomotor effects in the mice.
• A 2021 study looked at the effects of nicotine salts vs freebase on cognition in adult smokers. Nicotine salts impaired working memory and episodic memory more than freebase.
• Another 2021 study found nicotine salts delivered a more significant dopaminergic reward response compared to freebase.

The rapid absorption and increased effects of nicotine salts seen in these studies suggest they may also elicit greater cardiovascular effects like blood pressure spikes. But more direct clinical research is still needed.

Other Factors Influencing Nicotine's Effects on Blood Pressure

While nicotine salts may allow higher nicotine consumption, the relationship between vaping and blood pressure is complex. Other key factors beyond nicotine type and dosage include:

• Individual biology - People react differently to nicotine based on metabolism, physiology, tolerance levels.
• Vaping behaviors - Blood nicotine levels depend on vaping frequency, intensity of puffs, depth of inhalation.
• Device used - Different devices have different nicotine delivery efficiency and absorption rates.
• Other ingredients - Vape liquids contain various solvents, flavors, and other compounds that may influence effects.

Risks of Nicotine Exposure

While more research is still needed, health authorities generally warn that frequent vaping and high nicotine intake have risks, including:

• Nicotine is highly addictive and can lead to dependence.
• Potential for acute toxicity if exposed to extremely high doses.
• Associated with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.
• Impaired brain development in youth.

Nicotine salts allow high nicotine consumption, potentially magnifying these risks. But the health impacts also depend on the factors discussed above.

In Summary

Nicotine salts provide a smoother way to intake higher nicotine doses via vaping. Early research suggests nicotine salts may deliver a stronger pharmacological response compared to freebase nicotine. This likely includes more intense cardiovascular effects like spikes in heart rate and blood pressure.

However, nicotine's effects are complex. While salts enable higher nicotine intake, blood pressure impacts depend on vaping behaviors, device factors, and individual variations. More clinical studies are still needed comparing nicotine salts and freebase nicotine side-by-side.

In general, health authorities warn against frequent vaping and excessive nicotine exposure due to addiction risks and the potential for toxicity and cardiovascular complications. Using nicotine salts or consuming high concentrations may further increase these health risks.

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.