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

BackgroundThe 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]) x 3 (Rank [low, moderate, high]) ANOVAs were performed.ResultsThere 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 HighVF% (77.9 +/- 8.9 mmHg, 78.5 +/- 9.0 mmHg, 93.5 +/- 9.4 mmHg, respectively) compared to ModerateVF% (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 LowBMD (75.1 +/- 7.2 mmHg and 76.4 +/- 7.2 mmHg, respectively) compared to ModerateBMD (71.3 +/- 6.6 mmHg and 72.0 +/- 6.6 mmHg, respectively).ConclusionGreater 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.