Vaping and energy drinks: The hidden toll on your heart

Affinity Health, a healthcare cover provider, is raising awareness about how vaping and energy drinks can strain heart health.

According to Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health, both are often marketed as everyday lifestyle choices.

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“Vapes are seen as a cleaner alternative to cigarettes, while energy drinks promise a quick boost of energy and focus. Yet health experts warn that nicotine and high-dose stimulants can negatively affect the cardiovascular system,” he said.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that e-cigarettes are not safe, with nicotine exposure linked to cardiovascular disease.

“Many people underestimate how substances like nicotine and high-dose caffeine affect the heart, especially when used together.

These products may feel harmless short-term, but over time they can contribute to serious heart strain, particularly in younger adults,” he said.

How vaping can affect the heart

Most vaping devices deliver nicotine, which is highly addictive and stimulates the body’s ‘fight-or-flight’ response, raising heart rate and blood pressure and putting extra strain on the cardiovascular system.

Although vaping reduces some harmful chemicals compared to smoking, it is not risk-free. Vape liquids and aerosols may also cause irritation and inflammation, which can affect long-term heart and circulatory health.

Energy drinks and cardiovascular strain

Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine, other stimulants like guarana, taurine and sugar. They can raise heart rate and blood pressure, sometimes triggering a rapid or irregular heartbeat, even in otherwise healthy young adults.

Caffeine sensitivity varies. Some tolerate one energy drink, while others may experience palpitations, anxiety, jitteriness, or sleep disruption, all of which stress the body.

Combined effects

Using vaping and energy drinks together can amplify heart strain, as both stimulate the cardiovascular system simultaneously.

Symptoms may include:

• palpitations
• blood pressure spikes
• dizziness or fainting
• chest tightness or discomfort
• shortness of breath

Even temporary symptoms shouldn’t be ignored, as repeated heart strain may indicate the body is struggling.

Who is at risk?

Heart-related side effects can affect anyone, but risks are higher for:

• Young adults and first-time users
• People with high blood pressure, anxiety, or heart conditions
• Those with a family history of heart problems
• Frequent vapers or energy drink consumers

Heart strain isn’t limited to older adults. Early habits can influence long-term cardiovascular health.

Warning signs

Persistent palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, or unusual fatigue after vaping or energy drinks should be taken seriously. Seek medical advice immediately.

Reducing risk

Consider:

• Cutting back or avoiding energy drinks
• Not mixing stimulants with nicotine
• Boosting energy safely with water, meals, and sleep
• Seeking support to quit nicotine
• Consulting a healthcare professional if symptoms occur

“Understanding how vaping and energy drinks affect heart health is key to prevention.

Recognising early warning signs and making informed lifestyle choices can reduce long-term cardiovascular strain,” Hewlett concluded.