A recent mice study found menthol-containing e-cigarette aerosols increased heart rate and blood pressure and raised the incidence of ventricular premature beats.
Higher epinephrine levels pointed to a stress-response mechanism, and some heart-rhythm regulation changes remained detectable weeks after exposure ended.
TRPM8-activating menthol and synthetic cooling agents such as WS-3 and WS-23 can make vaping feel smoother, potentially encouraging deeper inhalation and more frequent use.
Laboratory evidence also suggests some flavoring chemicals can damage blood-vessel lining cells, increasing inflammation and cellular stress even without nicotine.
The findings do not prove heart disease in humans, but they add to concern as synthetic cooling chemicals spread beyond mint into fruit, candy and beverage-flavored vapes.
Are the 'icy' chemicals in fruit-flavored vapes a hidden trigger for heart disease, even without any nicotine?
Do vape flavor bans create more cigarette smokers than they prevent young vapers?
Immediate Cardiac Dangers from Menthol and Synthetic Coolants in Vapes: 2026 Research Calls for Stricter Controls
Overview
A new study published in June 2026 reveals that menthol and synthetic cooling agents in e-cigarettes can cause immediate heart risks. Researchers exposed mice to vape aerosols with these ingredients and found sharp increases in heart rate and irregular heartbeats, known as arrhythmias. These results highlight a serious public health concern, especially since cooling agents are widely used in vaping products. The study’s laboratory tests show that these common vape additives can quickly disrupt normal heart function, raising urgent questions about their safety and the need for stronger regulation.