Hemodynamic and autonomic effects of smokeless tobacco in healthy young men

Robert Wolk, Abu S.M. Shamsuzzaman, Anna Svatikova, Christine M. Huyber, Corey Huck, Krzysztof Narkiewicz, Virend K. Somers

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

37 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the acute hemodynamic and autonomic effects of smokeless tobacco. BACKGROUND: Smokeless tobacco use is increasing. Its cardiovascular effects are not well understood. METHODS: Sixteen healthy, male, habitual snuff tobacco users (aged 22 ± 1 year) were studied, using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design with two separate experimental sessions: placebo and tobacco. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), electrocardiogram, blood pressure, calf blood flow, nicotine, and catecholamines were measured. RESULTS: Snuff tobacco increased plasma nicotine from 2.8 ± 0.5 ng/ml to 10.4 ± 1.1 ng/ml. Mean blood pressure increased by 10 ± 1 mm Hg, and heart rate increased by 16 ± 2 beats/min. Peripheral vascular resistance, MSNA, and norepinephrine concentration did not change with tobacco, but epinephrine increased by ∼50%. CONCLUSIONS: Oral snuff tobacco increases heart rate, blood pressure, and epinephrine. Despite the increase in blood pressure, there is no decrease in either MSNA or peripheral vascular resistance. Smokeless tobacco is a powerful autonomic and hemodynamic stimulus. Catecholamine release from the adrenal medulla likely contributes to this response.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)910-914
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology
Volume45
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 15 2005

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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