Study finds heated tobacco causes immediate cardiovascular changes

A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology has documented acute physiological responses in healthy adults following the use of heated tobacco products. Researchers from the University Medical Center Mainz monitored 30 young adults after they consumed two consecutive IQOS sticks under supervision.

The findings indicated immediate biological effects, including decreased flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in blood vessels, increased systolic blood pressure, and reduced blood oxygenation. Additionally, some participants showed signs of oxidative stress-related genetic damage.

Lead author Lea Strohm noted that the results demonstrate these products are “not biologically inert” and challenge claims that heated tobacco is substantially less harmful to the cardiovascular system than traditional cigarettes. However, the researchers clarified that the study does not determine if these effects are permanent or if they lead to long-term risks such as heart attack or stroke, as it did not involve long-term follow-up.