Examining the Relationship Between Pulse Wave Characteristics and Components of Body Composition Among College Aged Vapers and Non-vapers

Background: The purpose of this investigation was to examine the relationship between pulse wave characteristics (i.e., pulse wave velocity and pulse wave analysis) and body composition (i.e., body fat percentage [BF%], visceral fat percentage [VF%], and bone mineral density [BMD]) among college-aged vapers and non-vapers. Seventy-four females were classified as a vaper or non-vaper and completed a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scan and arterial stiffness assessment. All body composition variables were collapsed into tertiles (i.e., low, moderate and high) and separate two-way, 2 (Group [vaper, non-vaper]) × 3 (Rank [low, moderate, high]) ANOVAs were performed. Results: There were significant (p = 0.005–0.031) interactions for VF%, whereby greater brachial diastolic blood pressure (BDBP), central diastolic blood pressure (CDBP), and central mean arterial pressure (CMAP) was observed among vapers classified has High_VF% (77.9 ± 8.9 mmHg, 78.5 ± 9.0 mmHg, 93.5 ± 9.4 mmHg, respectively) compared to Moderate_VF% (66.5 ± 9.3 mmHg, 67.5 ± 9.4 mmHg, 81.5 ± 8.9 mmHg, respectively). For BMD, there were significant (p = 0.010–0.040) main effects of Rank, whereby, BDBP and CDBP were greater among Low_BMD (75.1 ± 7.2 mmHg and 76.4 ± 7.2 mmHg, respectively) compared to Moderate_BMD (71.3 ± 6.6 mmHg and 72.0 ± 6.6 mmHg, respectively). Conclusion: Greater VF%, along with vaping status induced adverse values for pulse wave characteristics, while BF% and BMD did not have a relationship with vaping status. Additionally, there were no differences among non-vapers with high VF%, suggesting vaping status further impacts pulse wave characteristics.