Investigating how chronic e-cigarette use affects microvascular health

The Impact of Chronic E-Cigarette Usage on Microvascular Health

Virginia Commonwealth University · NCT06860698

This study is testing how long-term e-cigarette use affects the small blood vessels in young adults aged 18 to 29 compared to those who don’t use e-cigarettes.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment44 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 29 Years
SexAll
SponsorVirginia Commonwealth University (other)
Locations1 site (Richmond, Virginia)
Trial IDNCT06860698 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the impact of chronic e-cigarette usage on microvascular health among young adults aged 18 to 29. Participants who regularly use e-cigarettes will be compared to non-users to assess differences in health outcomes related to microvascular function. Various techniques, including iontophoresis, will be employed to evaluate the physiological effects of e-cigarette consumption. The study seeks to fill gaps in understanding the health implications of e-cigarettes, which are often marketed as safer alternatives to traditional smoking.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are young adults aged 18 to 29 who have been using e-cigarettes with nicotine at least three times a week for the past six months.

Not a fit: Patients who are older than 29, former smokers, or have significant health issues related to cardiovascular or pulmonary health may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable insights into the health risks associated with e-cigarette use, potentially guiding public health recommendations.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research into the effects of e-cigarettes, this specific focus on microvascular health is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
e-Cig users arm

Inclusion Criteria:

* Between 18 and 29 years of age
* Used e-cigarettes with nicotine (≥3 times/week for ≥6 months)

Exclusion Criteria:

* 17 years old and younger or 30 years old or older.
* Former combustible tobacco user/ former smoker
* Use of cigarettes for 15 days or more in the past 60 days
* Use of other tobacco products (cigars, hookah, smokeless), marijuana and/or illicit or prescription drugs weekly or more frequently in the past 60 days
* Evidence of cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, hepatic, metabolic, cerebral diseases or sleep disorders
* Disorder or use of medication that affects cardiopulmonary health
* Evidence of pregnancy or current nursing

Non e-Cig using arm

Inclusion

\- Between 18 and 29 years of age

Exclusion

* 17 years old and younger or 30 years old and older
* Use of cigarettes or other tobacco products more than 50 times in their lifetime.
* Evidence of cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, hepatic, metabolic, cerebral diseases or sleep disorders
* Disorder or use of medication that affects cardiopulmonary health
* Evidence of pregnancy or current nursing

Where this trial is running

Richmond, Virginia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: E-Cig Use, Microvascular Health

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.