ZYNs are the most popular brand of nicotine pouches in the world. Users can place these smoking alternatives between their upper lip and gum to release nicotine into their bloodstream. Available in 10 flavors and two different strengths, ZYNs are a discreet, affordable, and flavorful nicotine source that doesn’t require vapor, smoke, or spitting. 

While smoking can causecardiovascular problems, morerecent studies are linking any products that contain nicotine to “an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and other adverse behavioral and health effects.” Here, we look closely at ZYNs and how they may affect heart health. 

Is ZYN Bad For Your Heart?

ZYNs are still a relatively new phenomenon. They have been on the market since 2014 but have risen in popularity in recent years thanks to promotion by “ZYNfluencers.” Due to this, there aren’t a lot of studies on the long-term effects of nicotine pouches on a user’s heart.

However, there are many studies that look at the damage that nicotine as an ingredient can cause to theheart in users of all ages, including increasing heart rate and blood pressure, constricting blood vessels and building plaque. 

How Nicotine Affects the Cardiovascular System

Nicotine has a potent effect on the human body, from the brain to the cardiovascular system. This addictive chemical compound releases epinephrine from the adrenal gland, which leads to an increased heart rate and higher blood pressure as blood vessels narrow. Extended use of nicotine can lead to an overall weakening of the heart and could ultimately cause heart attack or stroke. 

ZYN and Heart Health: Potential Risks

While some studies suggest ZYNs are “less harmful” than traditional smoking, the high contents of nicotine may lead to various cardiovascular issues: 

• Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure:Nicotine users may recognize an increased heart rate after consuming nicotine, which can lead to blood pressure spiking. The short-term effects of increased heart rate and blood pressure can include fatigue and dizziness, while long-term effects from constant high blood pressure can lead to heart disease. 

• Increased Risk of Arrhythmias: Nicotine can cause heartarrhythmias, which can present themselves as a fluttering of the heart or an irregular heartbeat due to the adrenaline released after consuming the chemical compound. 

• Vascular Health:Nicotine constricts the body’s blood vessels, which raises blood pressure but lowers the flow. Over time, this can lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. 

• Potential for Addiction: Nicotine is usually something people use to alleviate stress in the short term. However, it can lead to an increase in stress in the long term if you become addicted. This addiction can lead to high blood pressure. 

Smoking and vaping reduce the amount of oxygen getting to the bloodstream, which is not an issue with ZYNs.

These popular nicotine pouches also allow users to consume nicotine without exposing themselves to chemicals like tar and carbon monoxide caused by traditional smoking. However, the main contributor to cardiovascular issues in cigarettes is nicotine, also found in ZYNs. 

Scientific Studies and Evidence on ZYN’s Impact on the Heart

Studies on the impact of nicotine pouches, including ZYNs, on the heart are limited compared to other nicotine products. However, one study suggests that “smokeless oral nicotine products are addictive, and their use has potential adverse effects on some but not all biomarkers of cardiovascular risk.” 

Anotherstudy on Snus, a Swedish smokeless tobacco product that has been around in one form or another since the 16th century, concluded that in the “middle-aged and elderly Swedish population, current Swedish snus use was not associated with the risk of major heart and valvular diseases, abdominal aortic aneurysm, or CVD mortality in the entire study population, but was linked to an increased risk of stroke in never smokers.” 

ZYNs and studies around the impact of ZYNs on cardiovascular health are still in their infancy. However, we can look to ZYN users for their accounts on using the nicotine pouches. Some users have found a spike in blood pressure and heart rate, especially when consuming too many 6mg ZYNs in a smaller space of time.

The amount of nicotine absorbed by the body from a traditional cigarette is approximately 1-2mg, while ZYNs don’t lose any nicotine to combustion, which means you’re getting a bigger hit of nicotine all at once. 

Is ZYN Safer Than Smoking or Vaping?

ZYNs are a less harmful alternative to smoking and vaping mainly because they do not require combustion, which means fewer harmful toxins in the body. 

Onestudy suggests that “even assuming the reduction in excess mortality risk using ZYN use is 20% of that from smoking rather than the 3.5% assumed in the main analyses, the reduction in product-related deaths would still be 213, or about 600,000 in the US,” which would make ZYNs a much safer option overall when compared with traditional cigarettes.

However, the cardiovascular risks associated with all nicotine products remain in any form, including ZYNs. 

Who Should Be Cautious About Using ZYN

Certain groups of people are at a higher risk of cardiovascular issues associated with ZYNs than others.

• People with existing heart conditions (hypertension, arrhythmias, etc.).

• Pregnant individuals or those planning to become pregnant.

• Individuals with a history of stroke or vascular diseases.

If you fall into one of these categories, it is best to avoid all products containing nicotine due to the damage the addictive chemical can have on the heart. For those who already take ZYNs or are looking for a way to quit other nicotine products, consider contacting a healthcare provider to create a quitting plan. 

Can ZYN Be Part of a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle?

While all products containing nicotine can hurt cardiovascular health and lead to a variety of issues like hypertension, heart disease, and stroke, ZYNs can wean users off traditional cigarettes, which can be even more harmful to the heart because they prevent oxygen from reaching the body.

Making this switch can potentially lower overall cardiovascular risk. If you want to lead a heart-healthy life, it’s best to reduce nicotine intake and make a plan to quit. 

Conclusion

ZYNs are a less harmful alternative to traditional smoking and vaping because they lower the intake of toxic chemicals like carbon monoxide. However, because they still contain nicotine, the cardiovascular health issues associated with nicotine remain in ZYNs and other nicotine pouches.

It’s essential to consider your situation before consuming ZYNs, especially if you have pre-existing heart conditions. However, using ZYNs as a tool to reduce traditional smoking can have a positive impact on overall health. As more studies on nicotine pouches and cardiovascular health are undertaken, we will have a clearer view of the safety of ZYNs on cardiovascular health.