{"id":5218,"date":"2026-03-06T12:43:23","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T10:43:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/?p=178812"},"modified":"2026-03-06T12:43:23","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T10:43:23","slug":"vaping-and-energy-drinks-hidden-heart-risks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/vaping-and-energy-drinks-hidden-heart-risks\/","title":{"rendered":"Vaping and Energy Drinks: Hidden Heart Risks"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Affinity Health<\/a>, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, is raising awareness about how vaping and energy drinks can strain heart health.<\/p>\n

Both products are often sold as \u201ceveryday\u201d lifestyle choices. Vapes are marketed as a cleaner alternative to cigarettes, while energy drinks are positioned as a quick fix for tiredness and focus. But health experts continue to flag concerns about how nicotine and high-dose stimulants affect the cardiovascular system.<\/p>\n

The World Health Organization<\/a> (WHO) states that e-cigarettes are not safe and that exposure to nicotine is harmful, with e-cigarette use linked to cardiovascular disease risk.<\/p>\n

\u201cMany people underestimate how substances like nicotine and high-dose caffeine affect the heart, particularly when used together,\u201d says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese products may feel harmless in the short term, but over time they can contribute to serious cardiovascular strain, especially in younger adults who don\u2019t expect to face heart-related symptoms.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/span>How Vaping Can Affect the Heart<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Most vaping devices<\/a> deliver nicotine, which is highly addictive and has direct effects on the heart and blood vessels. Nicotine activates the body\u2019s \u201cfight-or-flight\u201d response, causing the heart to beat faster and blood pressure to rise, which places extra strain on the cardiovascular system over time.<\/p>\n

Although vaping may reduce exposure to some of the harmful chemicals created by burning tobacco, it is not risk-free. Vapes still expose users to a range of substances that can affect the heart and blood vessels, particularly with frequent or long-term use.<\/p>\n

There are also growing concerns about irritation and inflammation caused by certain chemicals and flavouring agents<\/a> found in vape liquids and aerosols. Ongoing research examines how this inflammation may contribute to long-term heart and circulatory health problems.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Energy Drinks and Cardiovascular Strain<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Energy drinks<\/a> often contain high levels of caffeine, along with other stimulants such as guarana, as well as ingredients like taurine and large amounts of sugar. Consuming these drinks can raise the heart rate and blood pressure, and in some people may trigger a rapid or irregular heartbeat, including young, otherwise healthy adults.<\/p>\n

Caffeine sensitivity differs from person to person. Some people may feel fine after one energy drink, while others experience unpleasant symptoms even with smaller amounts, including jitteriness, anxiety, palpitations, and sleep disruption (which can further stress the body).<\/p>\n

<\/span>The Combined Effect: Why the Risk Can Increase<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Using vaping products and energy drinks together may place added strain on the heart, as both can stimulate the cardiovascular system at the same time. In simple terms, one speeds things up, and the other can speed things up even more.<\/p>\n

This may increase the chance of symptoms such as:<\/p>\n