Regular inhalation of nicotine increases blood pressure both in general and locally in the lungs, which can lead to pulmonary hypertension, Hypertension journal reported referring to the study of the scientists from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine.

As scientists noted, nicotine-induced pulmonary hypertension is accompanied by changes in the size, shape, and function of blood vessels in the lungs and right lower chamber of the heart.

According to sciencedaily.com, the researchers used a new nicotine inhalation model on mice that mimics smokers/e-cigarette users. Their goal was to study the effects of chronic nicotine inhalation on the development of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, with an emphasis on blood pressure and vascular changes.

The study confirmed that inhaling nicotine did indeed increase systemic systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the first week of exposure.

According to the study, chronic inhalation of nicotine leads to muscle activity of previously non-muscular pulmonary arterioles, which is consistent with increased systolic pressure in the right ventricle and pulmonary vascular resistance.

Researchers found that an 8-week exposure to nicotine led to a significant increase in systolic pressure in the right ventricle, as well as thickening of the walls and its expansion.

Let's note that the right ventricular failure is the main cause of death in pulmonary hypertension.