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Cardiologist unveils hidden habit endangering young hearts, alerts to early heart strain
Heart disease is often viewed as a health concern that develops later in life
Heart disease is often viewed as a health concern that develops later in life, but medical experts say everyday habits adopted in youth can quietly increase cardiovascular risks much sooner than expected.
Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, a longevity medicine specialist and board-certified interventional cardiologist, has raised concerns over the rising normalisation of nicotine use among teenagers and young adults, warning that the habit may be placing long-term stress on the heart.
In an Instagram post shared on April 25, Bhojraj said many young people no longer see nicotine as a major health threat because it is now sold in flavoured, disposable, and easy-to-hide forms that fit seamlessly into daily routines.
“Because it feels casual and convenient, many assume it is harmless,” he said, noting that this perception is dangerously misleading.
According to Bhojraj, nicotine can instantly increase heart rate by 10 to 20 beats per minute and also trigger a measurable rise in blood pressure.
While these effects may seem minor at first, repeated use throughout the day forces the cardiovascular system to remain under continuous strain.
He explained that the concern extends beyond addiction. Frequent nicotine exposure prevents the body from returning to a normal resting state, gradually affecting the regulation of heart rhythm and blood pressure over time.
Bhojraj also noted that many users begin nicotine consumption in their teenage years, meaning the damage starts much earlier than most realise.
This early and repeated exposure can significantly advance future cardiovascular disease risk.
What makes the issue more alarming, he said, is that vaping and other nicotine products have become socially acceptable and discreet, allowing many users to ignore the warning signs.
His advice is that young adults should rethink nicotine as more than a passing habit, because the cardiovascular consequences may begin long before visible symptoms appear.
