CNN

(CNN) A new study shows that cardiovascular function changes after the vaporization of e-liquids, even when these liquids do not contain nicotine.

This study was published on Tuesday in the journal "Radiology," concluding that vaping temporarily affects the vascular function of healthy individuals.

For example, using MRI scans, it was found that blood flow in the femoral artery of the leg changed after a single use. Researchers could not determine which chemicals might be responsible for the observed changes.

Dr. Felix Wehrli, a professor of radiology and biophysics at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, stated: "Everything normalizes after a few minutes. People might say, 'It's no big deal, there's no reaction.'

"However, if vaping becomes a regular habit, there is a possibility that the areas that have changed may not return to normal as quickly over time. His team observed 31 individuals who had never vaped before and found they all exhibited the same changes... and these changes could potentially be a precursor to the development of cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, although this evolution may take years." He added.